For large enterprises, seamless and secure connectivity is a critical requirement, and private 5G networks have emerged as a promising solution to meet these demands. While Wi-Fi struggles with high device density and limited range, private 5G networks leverage ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), massive machine-type communication (mMTC) and enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) to deliver optimal performance in advanced digital ecosystems.
The network leverages URLLC to enable real-time data transmission with millisecond-level latency, ensuring deterministic network performance for critical applications. Meanwhile, mMTC supports ultra-dense internet of things (IoT) environments by enabling scalable connectivity for thousands of low-power devices with minimal network congestion. eMBB provides high-throughput data rates, facilitating applications that require seamless mobility and high-capacity communication.
A look at some industrial use cases…
Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector is one of the primary beneficiaries of private 5G as it enables seamless industrial automation, predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring of production lines. Private 5G networks provide ultra-low latency, reaching as low as 1 millisecond, crucial for operating automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotic arms and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered quality control systems. A key advantage of private 5G over traditional wired or Wi-Fi networks is its ability to support time-sensitive networking, ensuring real-time data transmission between machinery and centralised control systems. Additionally, the high bandwidth of 5G supports machine vision applications for automated defect detection in manufacturing units.
In India, Bharti Airtel has carried out a private 5G deployment in a Pune-based industrial group’s 165 acre smart factory. The company has also implemented private 5G for autonomous vehicle operations in south India. Meanwhile, Tesla is reportedly in discussions with Reliance Jio to set up a private 5G network at its upcoming manufacturing plant. If finalised, this deployment would facilitate connected automotive production lines, real-time monitoring of equipment health and AI-driven automation for critical operations.
Smart facilities and livestreaming
Private 5G is being explored for smart facility management in large venues. It enables real-time crowd monitoring, AI-driven security systems and automated energy management. With network slicing, different applications such as live event streaming, IoT-enabled maintenance and high speed internet for attendees can be managed efficiently on a single infrastructure. For instance, LiveU leveraged 5G technology to offer live election coverage in
the country.
Oil and gas
Private 5G is particularly beneficial for oil and gas operations as facilities are often located in remote and hazardous environments. The technology enables real-time monitoring of pipelines, AI-driven predictive maintenance and remote-controlled operations. With URLLC, private 5G ensures seamless operation of emergency shutdown systems and automated drilling equipment, even in extreme conditions. The sector continues to rely on traditional communication networks and limited IoT-based monitoring solutions.
Transportation and logistics
Private 5G networks are transforming transportation and logistics by enabling automated cargo handling, fleet management and real-time tracking of shipments. With private 5G, ports can integrate AI-powered predictive maintenance for cranes, autonomous trucks and logistics drones, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency. For instance, private 5G-enabled AGVs can navigate warehouses with centimetre-level precision, optimising inventory management. The use of mMTC enables thousands of sensors to collect and relay data from shipping containers, ensuring real-time tracking of goods.
Campus networks
India’s educational institutions are increasingly exploring 5G for advanced research and digital learning, though large-scale implementations are still in early stages. Most universities continue to rely on public networks or Wi-Fi, with private 5G deployments yet to gain traction. However, growing interest in 5G is evident from recent collaborations. For instance, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) partnered with the UK’s SmartRAN Open Network Interoperability Centre Labs to drive Open RAN and AI-driven telecom innovations. While these initiatives emphasise 5G’s role in research and technological advancements, private 5G networks in campus environments remain a future prospect rather than a present reality.
Mining
Private 5G enables autonomous drilling rigs, AI-powered safety monitoring and remote-controlled operations in hazardous environments. With real-time video analytics, mine operators can detect structural instabilities or gas leaks before they become critical issues.
In India, BSNL and Echelon Edge have deployed a private 5G network at Coal India Limited’s Amlohri opencast coal mines in Madhya Pradesh. The network facilitates real-time communication for autonomous mining equipment and predictive maintenance systems. Additionally, the 5G Use Case Test Lab at the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute in Ranchi is driving research in 5G-enabled mining applications, such as AI-driven monitoring and industrial IoT (IIoT)-based
asset tracking.
Healthcare
Private 5G can revolutionise healthcare through real-time remote surgeries, AI-assisted diagnostics and smart hospital management. With network slicing, hospitals can prioritise critical applications such as robot-assisted surgery over less time-sensitive operations. 5G can ensure stable connections for telemedicine applications, allowing doctors to perform remote consultations and diagnostics in high definition with minimal delay. Despite its immense potential, private 5G in healthcare is yet to take off in India. Most hospitals still rely on public networks or Wi-Fi for digitalisation. While discussions are under way about integrating private 5G for smart hospitals and AI-assisted patient monitoring, large-scale deployments are yet to materialise.
Regulatory support for private 5G
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has been taking various steps to accelerate the adoption of private 5G in the country. In February 2025, TRAI proposed granting enterprises direct access to spectrum, allowing them to establish private 5G networks without depending on telecom operators. This move is expected to lead to significant cost reductions (around 40 per cent) for enterprise users while easing the burden of managing a complex network.
Further, under Section 3 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, TRAI has recommended a distinct authorisation framework for captive non-public networks, enabling businesses to set up, maintain and expand private networks independently. Under Section 3, TRAI has allowed the government to allot spectrum administratively to entities across sectors such as defence, law enforcement, broadcasting services, disaster management, navigation, telemetry, in-flight and maritime connectivity, as well as for the safety and operations of mines, ports and oil exploration, among others.
That said, it is not the first time that TRAI has made this recommendation. It had floated this proposal in 2022 as well, but the Department of Telecommunications decided against it in 2023.
Challenges in adoption
Despite TRAI’s supportive regulatory moves, India lags far behind global counterparts in private 5G deployments. As per industry estimates, the country has fewer than 20 private networks in operation, a stark contrast to the US, which has deployed over 170 private networks, or Europe, which has 95 private networks.
The debate over spectrum allocation mechanisms continues, with enterprises advocating for administrative allocation to facilitate cost-effective private network deployments, while telecom operators insist on spectrum auctions. Telcos argue that direct allocation could create an uneven playing field, as they are required to bid for spectrum in competitive auctions, investing substantial amounts to secure their holdings. Enterprise services contribute approximately 20 per cent of their total revenue, and allowing businesses to establish independent private networks could undercut this crucial revenue stream. The government has yet to finalise clear policies on the quantum of spectrum reserved for private networks and the licensing framework under which they will operate, further delaying decision-making for enterprises looking to invest in private 5G infrastructure.
In addition to these challenges, the cost of deploying and managing private 5G networks remains a significant deterrent. For many businesses, the return on investment remains uncertain, especially in sectors that do not yet require high-bandwidth or ultra-reliable low-latency communication. Furthermore, the Indian market is still in the early stages of 5G standalone (SA) network adoption, which is essential for fully operational private 5G deployments. Most existing 5G roll-outs in India rely on non-standalone architecture, where 5G radios are anchored to 4G LTE cores. The slower roll-out of 5G SA networks further delays enterprise adoption.
Another key limitation is the availability of 5G-capable devices across industries. The current ecosystem of IIoT devices, smart sensors and connected machines that support 5G remains limited, making it difficult for enterprises to transition from existing wired or Wi-Fi-based set-ups to private 5G networks. Deploying private 5G networks is inherently complex due to the need for industry-specific customisation. Unlike public networks, private networks must be designed to deliver tailored performance metrics based on specific use cases. Telcos play a crucial role in bridging this gap, but their ability to provide service-level agreement-driven connectivity services that meet these varied requirements remains a work in progress.
Future outlook
The future of private 5G in India holds immense potential, driven by the growing need for industrial transformation and digital acceleration. Direct spectrum allocation could be a game changer, allowing enterprises to establish private networks without relying on telecom operators. This shift would accelerate deployment, giving businesses greater control over network security, customisation and seamless integration with emerging technologies. Alternatively, a hybrid private network model could gain traction, combining private and public infrastructure to enable interoperability while ensuring flexibility in data storage and security. Another significant pathway could be the mobile network operator-leased spectrum model, where enterprises leverage spectrum from telecom operators rather than acquiring it directly. This approach could provide a more accessible entry point into private 5G without the complexities of spectrum ownership, making it a viable option for industries seeking dedicated connectivity solutions.
As private 5G networks evolve, they are poised to reshape India’s industrial landscape by offering scalable, secure and high-performance connectivity tailored to diverse industry requirements. With the right policy framework and the adoption of advanced network technologies, private 5G could become the foundation of India’s digital and industrial revolution, driving efficiency, innovation and economic growth across sectors.
