The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is considering a methodology to directly allocate spectrum to companies such as Infosys, Tejas Networks, Tata Communications, Tata Power, Larsen & Toubro, GMR and Capgemini. Achieve your purpose.
Officials said direct allocation of spectrum to these companies would accelerate the rollout of 5G private networks. Currently, businesses are dependent on telecom operators like his Bharti Airtel.
However, many large companies want to implement private network solutions on their campuses or perform certain infrastructure projects without going through a carrier due to security and cost factors.
industry
Private network setups allow industries such as healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, ports, and mining to achieve high data speeds and data transmission capacity within their premises that may not be possible using public networks. Masu.
Unlike public networks, private mobile networks can be customized with specific security measures and encryption standards to protect sensitive data and provide a reliable and secure environment for critical operations.
In a recent white paper to the DoT, VoICE, an industry group representing communications technology companies, said: The ability to reuse the same spectrum significantly reduces the cost burden of directly allocating spectrum to enterprises and captive non-public network (CNPN) service providers. ”
The industry body represents companies like TCS, Tejas Networks, Saankhya Labs, HFCL, and more.
According to a report by the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) in India.
According to VoICE, 16 countries currently have dedicated spectrum reserved for private networks. This includes the United States, Canada, France, Sweden, Japan, Switzerland, Finland, Australia, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
“Spectrum in suitable IMT bands (e.g. mid-band 3.3 GHz) may be administratively allocated directly to companies and/or CNPN service providers in accordance with the recommendations of Trai and in accordance with the spirit of the New Telecommunications Act.” said Rakesh Bhatnagar, Director General, VoICE.
“This will reduce dependence on TSP and, as a result, less influence on decisions by existing equipment players. This will help domestic product companies develop innovative products and solutions.” added Bhatnagar.
In addition to dependence on carriers, another reason for the slow adoption of private networks in the country is the lack of use cases. In such a scenario, companies do not feel any urgency to migrate from their Wi-Fi or 4G LTE solutions to 5G within their campuses or factories.
The DoT is also studying 28 private 5G network projects for metro stations. Railway. Multiple mobile networks in a box or limited area, suitable for oil companies, military, ships. 5G power grid. Potential customers for 5G mining could be companies like Coal India
The solution is provided by local communication technology providers such as Lekha Wireless, Amantya Technologies, MatreComm Technologies, United Telecoms, Signaltron, and Coral Telecom.
“Currently, telecom operators are in a monopoly position to offer spectrum at their desired cost. This has restricted the aggressive deployment of private networks in the country,” said Tata Communications Vice President Arka Serot Asthana, Director General and Regulatory Affairs Department, said in comments addressed to Trai in a consultation document.
“Lighter regulations to help businesses deploy 5G both on and off campus will be a key factor in enabling digital transformation,” Asthana added. Broadband India Forum says, “With one-sixth of the world’s population, India should strive to have at least around 200 private networks (4G and 5G) to be on par with the rest of the world.” ”.
VoICE also urged the government to allocate private network licenses at nominal fees (annual or one-time) to ensure a level playing field for businesses and industries of all sizes in India.
Telecommunications operators have opposed direct allocation of spectrum for private networks to companies. According to the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), allowing these companies to own private 5G spectrum would distort the level playing field. The association said such allocations would create intermediaries and intermediaries who install and operate networks for companies without acquiring spectrum through auctions.
While giving recommendations for the 2000 5G auction, Trai had suggested setting aside at least 40 MHz spectrum in the 3700-3800 MHz band, i.e. mid-band, for private networks. Additionally, regulators had proposed setting aside at least 40MHz between 4800 and 4990MHz and at least 400MHz between 28.5 and 29.5GHz (mmWave band) for private networks. However, the DoT rejected this recommendation.
