Captive non-public network (CNPN) can play a key role in developing industries by providing secure, ultra-reliable, low latency and high throughput communication using advanced technologies and Indian government plans to allow private sector companies to seek spectrum for this purpose.

The Department of Telecoms (DoT) has decided to undertake demand studies for direct assignments of spectrum to enterprises setting up CNPNs.

Enterprises having networth over Rs. 100 crore (Rs. 1 billion) and willing to set up CNPNs can obtain spectrum directly from the DoT and have been invited by the government to participate in this exercise to study the market demand, an official statement said.

Government had issued the guidelines for CNPN license on June 27, 2022, aimed at establishing the legal framework for such networks.

The guidelines provide that the enterprises seeking to establish CNPN may obtain spectrum on lease from telecom service providers or directly from the DoT. These guidelines also provide that DoT will undertake demand studies for direct assignments of spectrum to enterprises setting up CNPNs.

DoT has also launched a module on saral sanchar portal for carrying out the demand studies. The portal may be accessed at: https://saralsanchar.gov.in. The details can be submitted by companies on the portal from August 10 to September 9, 2022.