Government allows leasing of spectrum to captive networks from telcos

The Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) wing under the aegis of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) today issued the guidelines for leasing the spectrum to captive non-public network licensees.

The Government after considering TRAI’s recommendations has decided that enterprises setting up captive private networks can obtain spectrum on lease from telecom service providers (TSPs) having access service subject to certain terms and conditions.

TSPs with access service licenses will be allowed to lease auction acquired or liberalised IMT spectrum to CNPN licensees. The CNPN licensees can obtain IMT spectrum from one or more TSPs on mutually agreed terms and conditions.

The TSPs will have to submit the details of spectrum bands, the quantum of spectrum in each band, period of lease, geographic of lease, geo-coordinates of the logical perimeter of the defined premises, and use of spectrum to DoT on Saral Sanchar portal within 15 days of entering into leasing agreements with CNPN licensees.

The CNPN licensees will have to obtain SAFCA clearance and import certificate after entering into the spectrum leasing agreement and prior to starting the operations. The parties involved in the leasing of spectrum must ensure that no interference is caused to any public network or any other licensed user of the spectrum while using the leased spectrum.

The revenue earned by the TSP through the spectrum leasing will be part of the gross revenue. The CNPN license will be governed by guidelines for CNPN license dated 27th June 2022.