Adani Group may surrender 5G spectrum

Local media reported that India-based Adani Group is planning to release the 5G spectrum it acquired in 2022 as India’s telecoms regulator pushes the company to fulfill its coverage obligations.

The Department of Telecommunications has reportedly sent numerous notices to the company’s telecoms arm, Adani Data Networks, requesting its 5G deployment roadmap.

A source told Moneycontrol that Adani is considering surrendering the spectrum it acquired in the 26GHz band. While a final decision has not been made, the source added that Adani’s strategy of deploying private networks across airports, power stations, and the logistics sector “has not been deemed commercially viable.”

Adani had reportedly requested an extension in April 2023 to deploy its private 5G network as it faced penalties for failing to meet coverage targets. The company’s parent entity spent US$27 million to acquire 400MHz of spectrum in the 26GHz band.