New Delhi: In a renewed push to facilitate private 5G network deployments, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has begun a fresh assessment of spectrum demand for Captive Non-Public Networks (CNPN), also known as 5G private networks. This move comes amid growing interest from system integrators and large enterprises seeking to harness the transformative potential of 5G in industrial and enterprise settings.
According to an official memorandum dated June 30, the DoT will survey spectrum demand via the Saral Sanchar portal, targeting prospective frequency bands for direct assignment to CNPN licensees.
Second Demand Assessment Since 2022
This marks the second formal demand-assessment exercise by the DoT, following its initial provision for 5G private networks introduced in June 2022.
“The Department has decided to assess a fresh demand for spectrum in various prospective frequency bands… through the Saral Sanchar portal to identify suitable bands for direct assignment for CNPN-based services,” the memo stated.
The current initiative reflects DoT’s recognition that device ecosystems have matured in certain International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) bands, and that 5G use cases across industrial, manufacturing, and logistics sectors have evolved significantly.
Spectrum Access Routes and Industry Concerns
- Enterprises have two options for establishing private 5G networks:
- Leasing spectrum from telecom operators, or
- Direct spectrum allocation from the DoT.
While telecom operators have resisted direct allocation, arguing it undercuts their spectrum investments, enterprises and system integrators have expressed interest in direct licensing to ensure tailored, secure, and high-performance 5G connectivity.
Earlier, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had recommended spectrum allocation for CNPN in the 3700–3800 MHz, 4800–4990 MHz, and 28.5–29.5 GHz bands. However, a lack of commercial devices in those bands led to limited adoption.
DoT Seeks Inputs from Eligible Enterprises by July 31
To refine its approach, the DoT has invited feedback from:
- Enterprises with a net worth of ₹100 crore or more willing to directly acquire spectrum to establish CNPNs.
- System integrators interested in deploying CNPNs on behalf of enterprises.
- The last date for submission of comments is July 31, 2025.
Industry Viewpoint: Challenges and Opportunities
Ankit Dixit, CEO of Tidal Wave Technologies, commented on the slow pace of adoption:
“Enterprise and industrial deployment of private 5G networks is still in its infancy, with live projects remaining in the low single digits.”
Dixit attributed the slow momentum to:
- High spectrum costs
- Rigid frameworks lacking enterprise agility
- Demand for free trials or proof-of-concept models
Despite these hurdles, Dixit emphasized that private 5G holds game-changing potential for sectors like manufacturing, logistics, energy, and healthcare. He called for stronger policy frameworks, easier access to spectrum, and enhanced public-private collaboration to accelerate adoption.
