MEDIA BRIEFING DOCUMENT - Small Cells: Key Driver in Effective 5G Rollout

07-01-2022

1. 5G networks offer the potential to deliver significant social and economic benefits in India and the deployment of small cells will be critical

The GSMA forecast that 5G technologies will make an overall contribution of approximately $450 billion to the Indian economy (0.6% of GDP by 2040) and will reach 88 million 5G connections by 2025
One of the key challenges for rolling out of telecom infrastructure in India has been identified as the ‘Right of Way’ (RoW) permissions.

2. RoW Rules are available in India, but more needs to be done as the rules do not include small cells

TRAI has enacted RoW rules in 2016, which included a range of measures such as setting the time period for approval of RoW to 60 days.
However, the resulting ease of rollout and cost benefits was not as much as expected. This is due to a range of issues such as: (i) some states have aligned their RoW policies and other states are yet to align their RoW policies and procedures with the rules; (ii) delays in permissions due to complex procedures, non-uniformity in fees, high charges and lack of coordination among the authorities.
In August 2021 TRAI has proposed some recommendations, such as a National Portal for RoW permissions, exemption of RoW charges for next five years etc. which are welcome steps the absence of small cell deployment in the RoW framework continues.

3. There is scope to improve the deployment of small cells in India, and some suggestions have been identified for consideration by the government

The GSMA and COAI conducted a survey of with stakeholder companies in India to examine the challenges and explore suggestions on what needs to be done to improve small deployment. In addition, research was conducted to identify initiatives that have been undertaken by governments across the globe to facilitate 5G deployment through small cell installations.
From the above analysis, 14 suggestions have been identified for consideration to facilitate deployment of small cells in India. These suggestions range from simplifying procedures for small deployment to granting easy access to street furniture, to updating and ensuring uniform implementation of the 2016 Right of Way Rules include small cell deployment.

4. Communicating the benefits of streamlining the process for small cell deployment in India is important

The presence and importance of quality of digital infrastructure in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into a country has been of growing importance. Small cells deployment and right of way contribute significantly to enhancing the broadband connectivity of the country and therefore is likely to attract FDI.
Communicating the benefits to government at all levels (Federal, Stata and Local) and industry may serve to accelerate and encourage RoW for small cell deployment

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