Ahead of 5G spectrum auctions to be held later this month, Gautam Adani-led Adani group on Saturday confirmed that the conglomerate is participating in the auctions to provide private network solutions across business verticals from airports to power as well as data centers. Last month, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced that companies wishing to set up private 5G networks could obtain spectrum from the government directly, without paying a license fee.
In a statement released on Twitter, the Adani group clarified that its “intention is not to be in the consumer mobility space.” “We are participating in the 5G spectrum auction to provide private network solutions along with enhanced cyber security in sectors like airports, ports, logistics, power generation, transmission, distribution, and manufacturing,” the statement said.
Media Statement on Adani Group’s interest in the 5G space. pic.twitter.com/iyAmvJOf2T
— Adani Group (@AdaniOnline) July 9, 2022
Other than the Adani group, companies including Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) have put in applications to participate in the country’s first auction of 5G airwaves starting July 26. Interestingly, the country’s two richest men, Jio’s Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani will have a direct face-off for the first time during the auction.
Applications for participating in the auction of airwaves closed on Friday. The pre-qualification of bidders is scheduled for July 18 and mock auctions on July 22 and 23. The government, in June, announced the auction for the rollout of 5G services in India along will a proposal for tech companies to acquire spectrum directly from it.
According to the rules issued by DoT, companies will be required to take a 10-year renewable licence for setting up private captive networks The licensee will be required to follow stipulated network security norms regarding procurement of telecom equipment from trusted sources.
A total of 72,097.85 MHz of spectrum worth at least ₹4.3 lakh crore will be put on the block during the auction. The auction will be held for spectrum in various low (600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz), mid (3300 MHz), and high (26 GHz) frequency bands. The validity of the right to use spectrum will be 20 years.
