DoT Launches Demand Survey for CNPN Spectrum via Saral Sanchar Portal

In a major step to bolster the deployment of private 4G and 5G networks across India’s enterprise landscape, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a fresh Office Memorandum (OM) dated 30 June 2025, inviting expressions of interest from eligible enterprises and system integrators for the direct assignment of spectrum under the Captive Non-Public Networks (CNPN) framework.

This initiative, now operational through a newly launched module on the Saral Sanchar portal (https://saralsanchar.gov.in), is designed to assess fresh demand for spectrum across various frequency bands, helping DoT identify prospective bands suitable for direct allocation to enterprises seeking to set up high-performance private mobile networks.

Empowering Enterprises with Tailored 5G Solutions

The CNPN guidelines, originally notified by DoT on 27 June 2022, provide a legal and technical framework allowing private enterprises to establish their own isolated, secure, and mission-critical networks using 4G or 5G technologies. These networks cater to industries such as manufacturing, logistics, mining, healthcare, power, aviation, and others that demand ultra-reliable, low-latency communication (URLLC) and high data throughput for industrial automation and control.

The guidelines allow two primary modes for CNPN deployment:

1. Leasing spectrum from licensed Telecom Service Providers (TSPs)

2. Direct assignment of spectrum from DoT

The latter offers enterprises greater control, independence, and customization for network design, latency parameters, and security features.

Revisiting Spectrum Strategy: Ecosystem Evolution and Industry Readiness

Initially, certain frequency bands were proposed for direct spectrum assignment to CNPN licensees. However, field feedback and stakeholder inputs revealed that device ecosystem support was inadequate in the proposed bands, stalling adoption.

With time, DoT observed a matured ecosystem in International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) bands, which are globally accepted and widely supported by 5G devices and equipment. Alongside, 5G technology has made rapid strides, with real-world applications emerging across smart factories, autonomous vehicles, precision agriculture, and critical infrastructure.

Further, system integrators and private sector entities have shown renewed interest in building CNPN networks, leading DoT to initiate a structured demand assessment for updated spectrum needs.

Demand Survey: A Strategic Move to Identify Future-Ready Frequency Bands

The Saral Sanchar portal now hosts a dedicated module inviting Enterprises and System Integrators to participate in a spectrum demand survey. The responses will assist DoT in:

• Evaluating enterprise-level demand for direct spectrum assignment

• Mapping preferred frequency bands with actual device ecosystem support

• Designing future spectrum auctions or allocation mechanisms tailored for CNPN

• Enhancing industry confidence in regulatory and policy support

The initiative is particularly significant given the increasing adoption of Industry 4.0 practices in India and the policy push for Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Digital India.

Eligibility Criteria for Participation

As per the 2022 CNPN guidelines, the eligibility for direct spectrum assignment is as follows:

• Enterprises must have a net worth of more than ₹100 crore

• Must be willing to establish private 4G/5G networks

• System Integrators partnering with such enterprises are also encouraged to participate

These entities are encouraged to submit their demand data through the Saral Sanchar portal, enabling the government to better structure future spectrum allocation policy for non-public networks.

Strategic Significance: Enabling India's Enterprise Digital Transformation

The CNPN framework is poised to revolutionize industrial digitalization in India. By enabling dedicated, low-latency, secure networks, it empowers sectors such as:

• Automotive and Aerospace for autonomous systems and remote diagnostics

• Ports and Logistics for smart tracking and automated warehouse operations

• Healthcare for remote surgery and diagnostics

• Energy and Utilities for real-time grid monitoring and predictive maintenance

• Manufacturing for smart factories and robotics coordination

Direct spectrum allocation ensures data sovereignty, reduced dependence on telcos, and enhanced cybersecurity, especially for critical infrastructure sectors.

Way Forward

The current demand survey is not a spectrum allocation or auction exercise, but a data-gathering mechanism to enable informed policy decisions. Based on the survey, DoT may propose updated spectrum bands that align with both global best practices and domestic readiness.

Enterprises and integrators interested in shaping the future of India’s enterprise-grade private wireless ecosystem are encouraged to visit https://saralsanchar.gov.in and participate in the survey.

The Office Memorandum dated 30-06-2025 and other related documents are available on the official DoT website.