Private Network Awards 2025 - TeckNexus

Jio

India's telecom usage is now predominantly indoors, and TRAI's new property rating framework puts digital connectivity on par with core utilities. TRAI's chairperson flagged a decisive shift: most mobile data is consumed inside homes, offices, malls, hospitals, and transit hubs. Connectivity inside buildings is moving from convenience to necessity. TRAI's 2024 Regulations introduce a voluntary, performance-based star rating that assesses how ready a property is to deliver high-quality broadband and mobile connectivity. The framework encourages developers to embed Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) at design stage, aligns with Digital India and Smart Cities Mission, and invites ministries and agencies to incorporate DCI into guidelines, tenders, and training.
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, is pushing back against direct 5G spectrum allocation for enterprises. COAI argues that Indiaโ€™s urban coverage, revenue priorities, and national security risks make an operator-led model via spectrum leasing or network slicing, more viable. The Department of Telecommunications is reviewing TRAIโ€™s recommendation, with the decision set to shape Indiaโ€™s private 5G market for years.
Reliance Jio has claimed the title of the worldโ€™s largest telecom operator with 488 million subscribers, including 191 million on its 5G network. Despite a 25% tariff hike, Jioโ€™s 5G adoption continues to soar, making up 45% of its total wireless data traffic. Backed by investments in AI, 6G, and satellite internetโ€”plus a partnership with SpaceXโ€™s Starlinkโ€”Jio is expanding its reach beyond India to become a global tech leader.
Indiaโ€™s internet subscriber base hit 969.10 million in FY25, with broadband users rising 2.17% and narrowband shrinking. TRAI data shows wireless ARPU up 16.89%, strong wireline growth, rural connectivity gains, and Jio-Airtel dominance โ€” while DTH shrinks and OTT rises.
Starlink plans to enter Indiaโ€™s broadband market with a $10/month satellite internet service, aiming to reach 10 million users. Backed by SpaceX, the offering challenges local 5G and FWA providers like Jio and Airtel while targeting underserved rural regions. Regulatory hurdles, hardware costs, and network capacity may influence its success.
Indiaโ€™s telecom sector is forecasted to grow 12โ€“14% in FY25, hitting โ‚น3 lakh crore in revenue, with AI adoption, Vodafone-led tariff hikes, and R&D investment driving momentum. AI is not just boosting efficiencyโ€”itโ€™s reshaping the future of telecom jobs, infrastructure, and policy. Sunil Bharti Mittal called for stronger private R&D efforts and smarter policy frameworks to harness Indiaโ€™s demographic advantage and scale the next era of AI-powered telecom innovation.
Airtel has acquired 400 MHz of 26 GHz mmWave spectrum from Adani Data Networks, a move that strengthens its high-speed 5G offerings in urban and enterprise zones. The deal enhances Airtelโ€™s ability to scale fixed wireless access, industrial 5G networks, and high-bandwidth consumer services. With India’s spectrum demand surging, this acquisition underscores the critical role of efficient spectrum use and signals a new phase of telecom consolidation.
Indian telecom companies such as Jio and Airtel are moving beyond internal AI use cases to co-develop monetizable, India-focused AI applications in partnership with tech giants like Google, Nvidia, Cisco, and AMD. These collaborations are enabling sector-specific AI tools across healthcare, education, and agriculture, boosting operational efficiency, customer experience, and creating new revenue streams for telecom operators.
Indiaโ€™s telecom sector is rapidly evolving with AI and automation enhancing network operations, customer service, and 5G deployment. With over 125 million 5G users and major investments from companies like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, AI technologies are proving essential for scalability and efficiency. Despite challenges like infrastructure integration and talent gaps, Indiaโ€™s growing AI ecosystem and government support are driving the future of smart telecom solutions.
OpenAI and Meta are eyeing partnerships with Reliance Industries to bring AI tools like ChatGPT and Llama to millions in India. By integrating with Relianceโ€™s telecom and digital networks, these tech giants aim to make AI more accessible and affordable. Relianceโ€™s reach, infrastructure, and government ties make it an ideal partner to scale AI adoption across diverse marketsโ€”from cities to rural India.
India approves 687 MHz of spectrum refarming to accelerate 5G rollout and lay the foundation for 6G services. This move increases total telecom spectrum to 1,587 MHz and addresses growing demands for mobile broadband, boosting innovations in edge computing and IoT while supporting telecom operators like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea.
Indiaโ€™s new satellite spectrum allocation policy could reshape the telecom sector, attracting global players like Starlink and Amazon Kuiper while sparking competition with Reliance Jio. The administrative allocation model, which aligns with global trends, aims to expand connectivity in underserved regions. However, concerns about a level playing field and the limitations of satellite technology highlight the evolving challenges for Indiaโ€™s telecom ecosystem.
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Private Network Awards

Recognizing excellence in 5G, LTE, CBRS, and connected industries. Nominate your project and gain industry-wide recognition.
Early Bird Deadline: Sept 5, 2025 | Final Deadline: Sept 30, 2025