DoT ignores telcos’ protest, favours 5G spectrum sale for captive networks

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) favours selling 5G spectrum to private players for their captive networks for use in campuses like factories, hotels and universities, a media report said.

According to a report in The Hindu Businessline, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) discussed the matter in a meeting with Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday.

“Enterprises setting up private captive networks may obtain the spectrum directly from the DoT and establish their isolated network,” Businessline reported quoting a person in the know.

The Broadband India Forum (BIF) wants the spectrum to be allocated to private enterprises for captive networks. At the same time, the Cellular Operators’ Association of India (COAI) says the spectrum should remain with telecom service providers (TSPs).