The Association of Mobile Operators of India (COAI) reiterated the importance of a level playing field when it comes to acquisition 5G spectrum in front of captive networks† The industry The body, in a statement released Thursday, appreciates that companies seeking to use 5G spectrum have submitted applications for open bids on the spectrum “through a transparent auction process, which ensures a level playing field is maintained and that all interested parties bid on the spectrum.” spectrum required by them”.
The statement refers to Adani data networks application to participate in the auction. The fourth applicant to the bidding process, in addition to the three Indian telcos, has stated that it intends to use the spectrum obtained through the auction to provide private network solutions along with enhanced cybersecurity at airports, ports and logistics, power generation, distribution and production activities.
The COAI added that India’s structured licensing framework has contributed to an orderly growth of India’s digital connectivity landscape, and that opening up access to spectrum to enterprises directly disrupts the level playing field.
It stressed on its argument that spectrum should not be provided on an administrative basis as it does not provide a business case for the rollout of 5G networks in the country.
“It is important to understand that licensed access service providers are fully capable of providing these services most competitively and economically when compared to private companies,” the statement reads.
“If the independent entities set up private captive networks with direct allocation of 5G spectrum by Pointit will reduce revenues so much that there is no longer a viable business case for the TSPs and there will remain no need for the rollout of 5G networks by TSPs,” it added.
The COAI also reiterated that any consideration of the administrative allocation of spectrum for captive non-public networks “essentially violates the principles of a level playing field and effectively provides a back door for major technology players to deploy 5G services and solutions.” companies in India” without equivalent regulatory compliance and payment of fees to which TSPs are subject.