RELIANCE

jio,

BHARTIARTL

IDEA

oppose private 5g networks

Jio, and , represented by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), have once again voiced their opposition to the Department of Telecommunications' (DoT) latest plan to re-evaluate the direct allocation of spectrum for private 5G networks. The COAI argues that allowing enterprises to directly acquire spectrum is not a viable or secure solution for the Indian market. They contend that such a move could negatively impact national revenue, jeopardize the security framework, and create an unfair competitive environment for licensed telecom operators. A captive non-public network is a closed system designed exclusively for a company's internal use, offering dedicated high-speed connectivity to industries like manufacturing and healthcare. The telecom operators' opposition is particularly significant because if the proposal is approved, it would enable large firms to bypass them for high-speed, automated connectivity within their campuses and factories. While proponents of direct spectrum allocation, like the Broadband India Forum (BIF), point to countries such as the US, Germany, and Finland as examples where private networks are supported, the COAI claims this comparison is misleading. They argue that in those countries, such industries are often located in remote areas with limited public network coverage. In India, however, most industrial zones are already well-served by telecom operators, so there is no coverage deficit. Meanwhile, some industry groups and enterprises have raised their own concerns, stating that telecom operators are charging them high prices to set up private networks and that there are security risks if they contract with telcos. The DoT conducted a survey from July 1 to July 31 to gauge demand for direct spectrum assignment, but an official said the data analysis will happen after satellite spectrum norms are finalized.