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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Demand for 5G spectrum among private enterprises weak: DoT survey
The direct allocation of spectrum for private 5G networks faces a lukewarm response. The Department of Telecommunications conducted a demand study. It attracted few applications with incomplete details. Telecom service providers oppose direct allocation. They suggest using telco-allocated airwaves. The Broadband India Forum questions the need for another study. They cite previous interest from companies like Infosys and Tata. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The government's renewed push to allocate spectrum directly for private 5G networks has turned out to be a damp squib with just a few enterprises showing interest, people aware of the details told ET.A demand study conducted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to understand the spectrum requirement for direct allocation attracted only a few applications, including incomplete ones that didn't have the requisite details, they said."We will study and take a call around direct allocation of spectrum for captive private networks," an official said on condition of anonymity. Telecom service providers have been opposing the move to give spectrum directly to enterprises, arguing that such private networks can be rolled out through airwaves allocated to technology industry, on its part, is questioning the need for a fresh demand study as one such study was done a couple of years ago."Another demand study for private 5G seems a pointless exercise, serving only to further delay the introduction of a product globally proven with thousands of CNPN ( captive non-public networks ) and India trailing by three years," Broadband India Forum (BIF) president TV Ramachandran told ET."India needs CNPN for Industry 4.0, digitalisation and improved global competitiveness in many sectors," he previous demand study drew applications from over 20 players including Infosys Tata Power , GMR, and Larsen & Toubro, but nothing much happened after time, however, there was no such interest from these DoT in June 2022 had notified guidelines for establishment of CNPNs or private networks. These guidelines allow enterprises to set up their own captive private 4G or 5G networks by either utilising spectrum from telcos or direct assignment from the DoT felt there was a need for another demand study as certain spectrum bands that were initially identified for direct assignment to private networks lack device ecosystem."During a recent analysis, it was observed that the device ecosystem for CNPN is mostly available in IMT bands and 5G technology has also considerably advanced with different use cases," DoT said while seeking applications for the demand study. "Also, system integrators are keenly interested in establishing CNPN-based networks," it BIF felt demand for such a private network, for example, at Maruti , can only be singular because of relevance only to Maruti for internal efficiency improvements and a captive network with no services to the public and revenue therefrom."Hence, no need for demand study, or onerous license. Spectrum should be given directly to enterprises at cost to just cover the cost of administration and regulation and no further delay to boost the economy," Ramachandran private networks, corporate houses can set up their own Wi-Fi and data networks instead of taking the services from a telecom service provider as is the norm telcos, however, feel direct spectrum allocation to enterprises is not tenable because of various reasons pertaining to the country's telecom ecosystem, national revenue, and security architecture.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Broadband India Forum lauds government's move to open 6 GHz spectrum
New Delhi: On the occasion of World Wi-Fi Day , TV Ramachandran , President of the Broadband India Forum (BIF), hailed the government's recent decision to delicense 500 MHz of the 6 GHz spectrum , calling it a significant move for India's digital future. Speaking to at an event in Delhi, Ramachandran emphasised the importance of the decision, which had been under consideration for several years. "Today was a very important event... In particular circumstances today, the government has recently launched 500 MHz of delicensed 6 GHz spectrum that has been in the works for the last 3 or 4 years. And it's a great step, probably the first step towards that direction, and this is going to help innovation, R&D, and connectivity for high-data applications..." he said. The decision came as part of India's efforts to improve digital access, promote Wi-Fi connectivity , and boost innovation and research in the high-speed wireless data space. The 6 GHz band is expected to play a major role in enhancing Wi-Fi services, especially for bandwidth-heavy applications such as online education, remote work, telemedicine, and IoT (Internet of Things). Earlier in the day, Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in his keynote address at the World Wi-Fi Day Conference organised by the Broadband India Forum, stated that Wi-Fi will be a $22 billion segment in India by 2035, playing a transformative role in the nation's digital journey. Describing Wi-Fi as "an invisible force capable of powering visible change," Scindia hailed India's rapid strides in digital inclusion, noting that India now contributes 46 per cent of global digital transactions. He emphasised that connectivity is no longer a luxury, but a fundamental tool of empowerment, akin to access to capital and infrastructure in previous eras. "Wi-Fi is not just about internet access; it's about widespread inclusion in India in the future. Every hotspot must become a hope spot," said Scindia, outlining a vision for grassroots entrepreneurship driven by affordable devices, ubiquitous networks, and deregulated spectrum. He underscored Prime Minister Modi's vision behind PM-WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) as a game-changer that democratises digital access, especially in villages.
India Gazette
24-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Scindia urges OEMs, chip makers for affordable telecom devices for mass connectivity, nation building
New Delhi [India], June 24 (ANI): Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday urged Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), device and chip makers to produce telecom devices at nominal rates so that citizens can be connected with technologies. Speaking at the World Wi-Fi Day Conference in the national capital, Union Minister said, 'I must appeal to my industry, my chip makers, my OEMs, my device makers; we must ensure that we are able to produce devices at nominal cost to allow our citizens to connect to this technology. We cannot allow devices to become the new digital divide in our country.' The Union Minister comprehensively spoke on the digital divide, adding that this divide between Bharat and India has to be obliterated by technology, adding that access and affordability of telecom are needed. He asserted, 'We must ensure that this fight is one that is spread across the length and breadth of our country. It is like the arteries of the heart. And therefore, the digital divide between Bharat and India has to be obliterated by this technology. And for that we're not only looking at the ground... but we are also looking at the sky. Satellite, LEO and NEO both have become today a reality in India. Spectrum will be assigned on an administrative basis. Three licences have been given out, and those areas that were never connected will become connected in India.' The Minister further said that a duopoly in any sector is not good, adding that there must be competition in every sector. Scindia added that the role of government is to be a facilitator, not the regulator, simultaneously becoming customer-centric. 'Our job in government today is not to be a regulator. Our job in government today is to be a facilitator. We need to open those new vistas; we need to provide opportunity,' the Minister said. Scindia, in his keynote address at the World Wi-Fi Day Conference organised by the Broadband India Forum, stated that Wi-Fi will be a USD 22 billion segment in India by 2035, playing a transformative role in the nation's digital journey. Describing Wi-Fi as 'an invisible force capable of powering visible change', Scindia hailed India's rapid strides in digital inclusion, noting that India now contributes 46 per cent of global digital transactions. He emphasised that connectivity is no longer a luxury but a fundamental tool of empowerment, akin to access to capital and infrastructure in previous eras. Highlighting the recent de-licensing of the 6 GHz spectrum, the Minister said this move will enable multi-gigabit speeds and low-cost digital highways across India. Policy rules for the same will be announced before Independence Day 2025, he added. 'Connectivity is not a commodity; it is an act of nation-building,' he concluded, urging collective commitment to light up every rural home, empower every aspiring mind, and fortify public services with the power of Wi-Fi. (ANI)
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Beleaguered Voda Idea may get relief as Scindia says duopoly in telecom ‘not good'
NEW DELHI: At a time when beleaguered Vodafone Idea seeks govt support for survival, Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday said duopoly is not good for the sector and there must be competition in the industry. "Our job is to provide as many avenues as possible and within each vertical as well, provide intense competition. It's not good enough having a duopoly of one carrier or two carriers," Scindia said at an event of Broadband India Forum. Apart from state-run BSNL, there are three private operators, with Reliance Jio and Airtel running strong, while Vodafone Idea is financially crippled despite utilising several bailouts that saw the govt pick up a 49% stake in the company towards future payouts. Scindia's statement comes amidst speculation that the govt is looking at providing a new bailout package to the telecom industry , especially Vodafone Idea and Airtel, which were hit hard by the adjusted gross revenue (AGR) penalty running into thousands of crores of rupees. The companies failed to get relief from the Supreme Court and are now looking at the govt for some support. Vodafone Idea, which has debt in excess of Rs 2 lakh crore and already availed a moratorium on statutory payments to the department of telecom (DoT), is seeking yet another relief package to stay afloat. The minister's statement on having three private players should come in as a support for the company. Vodafone Idea expressed apprehension about its survival in the petition filed before the Supreme Court. BSNL, on the other hand, is yet to roll out 4G and 5G services at a pan-India level. Scindia said the country has fibre technology for broadband, Wi-Fi, and soon there will be satellite services. "(We) must have competition in every sector," he said, adding that spectrum will soon be assigned to satellite players on an administrative basis for beginning services. The Minister said there is intense competition among internet service providers and the govt will issue rules for delicensing 6 gigahertz spectrum before August 15 that will be used for Wi-Fi services and bridging the digital divide.
India Gazette
24-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
World Wi-Fi Day: Broadband India Forum President lauds govt's move to open 6 GHz spectrum
New Delhi [India], June 24 (ANI): On the occasion of World Wi-Fi Day, TV Ramachandran, President of the Broadband India Forum (BIF), hailed the government's recent decision to delicense 500 MHz of the 6 GHz spectrum, calling it a significant move for India's digital future. Speaking to ANI at an event in Delhi, Ramachandran emphasised the importance of the decision, which had been under consideration for several years. 'Today was a very important event... In particular circumstances today, the government has recently launched 500 MHz of delicensed 6 GHz spectrum that has been in the works for the last 3 or 4 years. And it's a great step, probably the first step towards that direction, and this is going to help innovation, R&D, and connectivity for high-data applications...' he said. The decision came as part of India's efforts to improve digital access, promote Wi-Fi connectivity, and boost innovation and research in the high-speed wireless data space. The 6 GHz band is expected to play a major role in enhancing Wi-Fi services, especially for bandwidth-heavy applications such as online education, remote work, telemedicine, and IoT (Internet of Things). Earlier in the day, Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in his keynote address at the World Wi-Fi Day Conference organised by the Broadband India Forum, stated that Wi-Fi will be a $22 billion segment in India by 2035, playing a transformative role in the nation's digital journey. Describing Wi-Fi as 'an invisible force capable of powering visible change,' Scindia hailed India's rapid strides in digital inclusion, noting that India now contributes 46 per cent of global digital transactions. He emphasised that connectivity is no longer a luxury, but a fundamental tool of empowerment, akin to access to capital and infrastructure in previous eras. 'Wi-Fi is not just about internet access; it's about widespread inclusion in India in the future. Every hotspot must become a hope spot,' said Scindia, outlining a vision for grassroots entrepreneurship driven by affordable devices, ubiquitous networks, and deregulated spectrum. He underscored Prime Minister Modi's vision behind PM-WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) as a game-changer that democratises digital access, especially in villages. (ANI)
