India's 5G Deployment: A Swift Start but a Slow Road for Private Networks

India has quickly emerged as a global leader in 5G adoption. Within months of its spectrum auction, telecom service providers (TSPs) launched commercial 5G services, making India one of the fastest adopters globally. However, the rollout of Captive Non-Public Networks (CNPNs), vital for industries like manufacturing and logistics, has been slow. These private networks enable transformative technologies such as IoT, automation, and real-time analytics, yet CNPN license uptake remains low, limiting 5G's industrial potential.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued CNPN guidelines in 2022, allowing enterprises to set up private networks by leasing spectrum from TSPs or directly acquiring it. However, high net worth requirements (₹100 crore), complex licensing processes, and limited awareness have hindered adoption. Additionally, high spectrum costs make CNPNs financially unfeasible for many industries.

To boost CNPN adoption, DoT should simplify licensing, relax eligibility criteria for SMEs, and subsidize spectrum for strategic sectors like healthcare and agriculture. Awareness campaigns and technical support can further help enterprises navigate regulatory challenges. Visit our website at https://simnovus.com/

India's public 5G rollout is a success, but unlocking CNPN potential is crucial for industrial transformation. Addressing these barriers will ensure Indian industries fully benefit from 5G and stay globally competitive.