According to industry sources, more than 20 information technology (IT) and infrastructure companies have applied for the direct allocation of 5G spectrum to set up private communication networks. These companies include Infosys, Capgemini, GMR, Larsen & Toubro, Tata Communications, Tata Power and Tejas Networks.
The applications were filed in response to an exercise launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to test the demand for spectrum to set up private networks. One of the options under a spectrum allotment policy announced in June 2022 was for DoT to directly allocate airwaves for such captive networks, but only after conducting a demand study. DoT had clarified that the current exercise was to study the demand and that an application at this stage would not mean spectrum would be assigned to the applicant. DoT has also not given any deadline on direct spectrum allocation.
