TOPIC OF THE RESEARCH PAPER

Public - private partnerships and 5G deployment: A case

study of India's telecom sector

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 Index

Topic of the research paper.....................................................................................................1

Index..........................................................................................................................................2
Abstract.....................................................................................................................................3
Introduction..............................................................................................................................4
Literature Review.....................................................................................................................5
Research questions...................................................................................................................6
Objectives..................................................................................................................................6
Research methodology.............................................................................................................6
Public – Private Partnerships and 5G deployment: A case study of India's telecom
sector..........................................................................................................................................7
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................9
Bibliography...........................................................................................................................10

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 Abstract

In the ever-changing context of India's telecom industry, this study delves into the complex
relationship between Public-Private Partnership [“PPP”] and the rollout of 5G networks. The
regulatory frameworks, key market participants, and current infrastructure of the Indian
telecom business are all covered in detail in the section devoted to the landscape of the
industry. It sheds light on the industry's preparedness for 5G rollout by highlighting its
successes and ongoing struggles.
Issues with spectrum allotment, technology, regulations, and the massive investment needed
are examined in this article with a focus on 5G rollout. Findings from the case study analysis
provide useful information for future projects by way of lessons learnt and best practises
derived from actual instances. Here, the major focus is been on the role of PPP model in
telecom industry for the deployment of 5G specifically in the rural areas and the challenges
that would come across while implementing the same.
In light of the dynamic nature of India's telecom sector, this research seeks to understand the
possibilities and threats posed by the coordinated upgrade to 5G wireless technology. The
investigation includes a comprehensive review of the sector's defining legislative
frameworks, market dynamics, and technology landscapes and the efficacy of the PPP model
in 5G deployment.
Keywords: 5G; Public-Private Partnership; Telecom sector; Deployment; Telecom operators

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 Introduction

India's telecommunications sector has been a crucible of transformation, evolving from a

state-controlled monopoly to a fiercely competitive market that plays a pivotal role in the
country's economic and societal fabric. The industry, marked by its vibrant tapestry of
services encompassing mobile and fixed-line telephony, internet, and broadband, has become
a cornerstone of India's digital aspirations. In this landscape of constant innovation and rapid
technological advancement, the impending rollout of the fifth generation of wireless
technology, commonly known as 5G, stands as a watershed moment with far-reaching
implications. The journey of the Indian telecom sector has been one of resilience and
adaptation. Historically, the industry was shackled by state control, typified by the
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) overseeing all aspects of telecommunication.
However, the winds of change began to blow in 1991 when economic liberalization policies
were introduced, paving the way for a more open and competitive telecom market. The
watershed moment, however, came with the New Telecom Policy (NTP) of 1999, a landmark
initiative that dismantled the state monopoly, encouraged private participation, and ignited a
wave of investments and innovations. The subsequent years witnessed the entry of private
players, heralding an era of transformative growth, increased connectivity, and technological
advancements.
The telecom industry's technological landscape has witnessed considerable advancements,
especially in the realm of mobile networks. The widespread adoption of 4G LTE technology
has ushered in an era of high-speed data services, transforming how individuals’ access and
consume information. However, despite these strides, challenges persist, particularly in rural
and remote areas where connectivity gaps persist. As India stands at the cusp of 5G
deployment, discussions center around spectrum allocation, infrastructure readiness, and
policy frameworks to usher in this transformative phase seamlessly. The imminent arrival of
5G technology brings with it a host of opportunities and challenges that resonate not only
within the industry but across sectors and society at large. The spectrum of applications that
5G unlocks, from enhanced mobile broadband to the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart
cities, positions it as a linchpin for India's digital future. However, this evolution demands a
synchronized effort, not only in technological adaptation but in reshaping the collaborative
dynamics between the public and private sectors.
This research endeavors to delve deep into the intricate fabric of this collaborative effort,
focusing on the nexus between public-private partnerships (PPPs) and the deployment of 5G
technology in India's telecom sector. It aims to unravel the challenges and opportunities
inherent in this collaboration, offering a nuanced understanding of the role PPPs play in
navigating the complexities of 5G deployment. Through a case study approach and rigorous
analysis, this study seeks to distil insights that extend beyond the realm of the telecom sector,
contributing to a broader discourse on effective public-private collaboration in the
technological landscapes of emerging economies. In doing so, it endeavors to provide a

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roadmap for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers navigating the uncharted
territories of 5G deployment in India.

Literature Review

The literature on 5G implementation in the telecoms industry and public-private partnerships

(PPPs) offers a wealth of information based on worldwide experiences and individual
instances. This research is contextualised against the essential backdrop of the evolution of
telecommunications in India.
Important lessons can be gleaned from studying PPP models that have been successful in the
telecoms industry. The successful deployment of modern telecommunication infrastructure by
countries like Singapore and South Korea is evidence of the efficacy of collaborative
approaches. Consistently, we see how important government policies, regulatory frameworks,
and public-private partnerships are.1 In order to successfully implement 5G, these studies
stress the requirement of a unified plan that considers the needs of both public and private
sectors.
Further, the literature elucidates the complex difficulties and determinants of success linked
to PPPs.2 A common thread is the need of a balanced mix of public sector regulation and
private sector initiative.3 A complicated interaction results when technological improvements
surpass legislative frameworks, requiring policymakers to be agile in their thinking.
Important considerations for the success of public-private partnerships include reducing risks,
creating an atmosphere that encourages innovation, and distributing resources fairly.4
Lastly, the literature also emphasises how crucial it is to modify plans in light of the
particular circumstances of the Indian telecom industry. This entails negotiating the
complexities of legal structures, resolving socioeconomic inequality, and cooperating with
India's particular development objectives.5

1
“Chew, Michael Yit Lin, et al. "Evaluating the roadmap of 5G technology implementation for smart building
and facilities management in Singapore." Sustainability 12.24 (2020): 10259.
2
Kutumbale, Vishakha, and V. P. Telang. "Public private partnerships in India." Research Front 2.4 (2014): 13-
26.
3
Pratap, Kumar V., and Rajesh Chakrabarti. Public-Private Partnerships in Infrastructure Managing the
Challenges. Springer, 2017.
4
Laksmanan, L. Public-private Partnership in Indian Infrastructure Development: Issues and Options. Reserve
Bank of India, 2008.
5
Ullah, Amir. "Public private partnership in infrastructure development of rural areas: opportunities and
challenges in India." The International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies 2.2 (2014).

5
 Research questions

1. What are the main obstacles and potential benefits of implementing 5G technology?

2. What are the best practises for utilising public-private partnerships (PPPs) to build up
cutting-edge telecom networks around the world, and how can we apply these lessons to
India?

3. In light of the impending 5G rollout, how is the Indian telecom industry doing in terms of
regulatory frameworks, market dynamics, and technical preparedness?

Objectives

1. Considering technical, regulatory, and economical considerations, evaluate the potential

benefits and drawbacks of implementing 5G technology in India's telecom industry.

2. The objective is to examine public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the telecoms industry

around the world in order to learn what works and what doesn't while building up high-
tech networks.

3. The objective of this study is to lay the groundwork for 5G deployment in India by
providing an exhaustive review of the country's telecom sector, covering legislative
frameworks, market dynamics, and technical readiness.

Research methodology

1. Conduct a comprehensive literature review on the following topics: successful models of

public-private partnerships in the telecom industry; worldwide experiences with 5G
rollout; and the unique opportunities and difficulties faced by the Indian telecom sector.

6
2. In-depth case studies should be conducted on a few selected PPPs in the Indian telecom
industry. Participant interviews, document analysis, and a critical evaluation of the results
and difficulties encountered by these partnerships are all part of this process.

3. To better understand the policies and frameworks that are influencing the Indian telecom
sector, it is necessary to examine pertinent papers such industry reports, strategic plans,
and regulatory policies.

Public – Private Partnerships and 5G deployment: A case study of

India's telecom sector

Massive investments in infrastructure are one of the main obstacles to 5G rollout. To

construct a strong 5G network, one must upgrade current infrastructure, build a dense
network of tiny cells, and guarantee smooth integration with new technologies such as the AI
and the Internet of Things (IoT). Private telecom operators may find such undertakings
financially overwhelming. By enlisting the help of the government in the form of financing
and regulatory facilitation, PPPs lessen the impact of this difficulty. The Draft IoT policy
2015 governance structure with PPP model aims “to set up a high-level Advisory Committee
(AC) including representatives from the government, industry and academia for providing
ongoing guidance in the emerging area of IoT”.6
The Indian government has acknowledged the strategic significance of 5G and is actively
encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) to implement the network. In order to develop
rules that promote public-private partnerships, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
(TRAI) has been holding frequent meetings with industry leaders. Contributions to 5G R&D
from the government show how serious they are about creating a climate that is friendly to
PPPs. Additionally, PPPs in the telecommunications industry go beyond only financial
cooperation. Through their platform, information can be shared, resources can be optimised,
and risks may be reduced. Private telecom providers can be encouraged to invest in
innovative technology by the government, which has the regulatory authority and access to
vital resources like spectrum. Concurrently, the rollout of 5G can be accelerated by private
companies because to their operational efficiency, technological knowledge, and market-
driven initiatives.
To align with the practice that is being followed in the developed countries regarding the
deployment of 5G through PPP model, the European industry's 5G-PPP Research Programme
representatives, the 5G Infrastructure Association, and the Telecommunications Standards
Development Society of India have inked a Memorandum of Understanding to encourage
cooperation on 5G development.7 Both the public and commercial sectors are represented in
6
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology. IoT Policy Document. Government of India, 2015, IoT
Policy Document, meity.gov.in/sites/upload_files/dit/files/Draft-IoT-Policy%20(1).pdf.
7
The 5G Infrastructure Public Private Partnership, < https://5g-ppp.eu/tsdsi-and-the-5g-ia-signed-a-
memorandum-of-understanding-to-foster-collaboration-on-research-standards-regulations-and-policies/>

7
the 5G PPP; the former is the 5G Infrastructure Association (5G-IA) and the latter is the
European Commission. Promoting 5G in Europe and establishing 5G consensus on a
worldwide scale are two of the 5G-IA's primary goals. The Association's mission is to unite
the worldwide telecoms and digital industry's operators, manufacturers, research institutes,
universities, verticals, and SMEs in pursuit of this goal. This is a significant step towards the
successful deployment of 5G in India,
Moreover, as far as deployment in rural areas in concerned, the challenge is different. To find
a workable solution, it is necessary to address the question of how long the connection will
last. A sustainable business model based on the Public-Private-Panchayat Partnership model
(4-P model) was developed and validated in the unlicensed band Palghar testbed to address
this concern.8 A bottom-up strategy, centred on local requirements and the participation of the
villagers who utilise the connection, is necessary for building a business model for rural
areas. This paves the road for the village's connectivity to be sustainable as well. One
possible explanation for PPP models' ineffectiveness un rural and outlying locations is that
they do not typically consider local demands.9
The following are our primary concerns with the 5G Infrastructure PPP:
1. Offering a wireless area capacity that is a thousand times greater and a wider range of
service capabilities than in 2010

2. Energy savings of up to 90% every service rendered. The radio access network, which
accounts for the vast majority of mobile communication networks' energy usage, will be
the primary area of concentration.

3. Getting the typical service development cycle down from 90 hours to just 90 minutes.

4. Developing an Internet that is safe, stable, and dependable with "zero perceived"
downtime in service delivery.

5. Enabling dense installations of wireless communication lines to interconnect more than 7

trillion devices, benefiting more than 7 billion individuals.

6. Providing a more extensive suite of services and applications at more affordable prices to
all users, wherever

accessed on 21 November 2023.

8
S. B. Belur, M. Khaturia, and N. P. Rao, “Community-led Networks for Sustainable Rural Broadband in India:
the Case of Gram Marg,” Chapter 8 of Community Networks: the Internet by the People, for the People, p. 193.
9
Khaturia, Meghna, et al. "Towards frugal 5G: A case study of Palghar test-bed in india." 2019 IEEE Wireless
Communications and Networking Conference Workshop (WCNCW). IEEE, 2019.”

8
 Conclusion

PPPs are crucial to the rollout of 5G networks, as shown in the case study of India's telecom
industry. To tackle the complex issues surrounding 5G rollout, a new strategic strategy has
arisen: partnerships between public and private telecom carriers. Beyond just investing
money, this partnership also involves sharing information, reducing risks, and working
together to close the digital gap. The Indian government has taken the initiative to engage
with industry stakeholders, demonstrating its understanding of the strategic significance of
5G. The government shows it is committed to creating an environment that is good for
innovation and technology progress through projects like 5G testing that it has done with
major telecom companies. These trials demonstrate the collaborative effort between the
public and business sectors to advance the 5G agenda, while also providing a practical testing
ground.
In addition, PPPs in the telecommunications industry may alter the nation's online
environment. Partnerships for PPPs help bridge the digital divide and bring about the social
and economic advantages of better connection by making sure that everyone can participate
and by reaching out to neglected and rural areas. India is well-positioned to take use of 5G's
vast potential in fields as varied as agriculture, education, and healthcare, thanks to the
cooperative spirit inherent in PPPs.
Effective governance, clear regulations, and a dedication to fair competition are crucial for
PPPs to succeed. To avoid monopolies and guarantee fair sharing of 5G advantages, it is
crucial to find the correct balance between public interest and private sector dynamics.
The collaboration between the public and commercial sectors is becoming more important as
India deals with the challenges of 5G rollout. This would be crucial in order to fully harness
the revolutionary power of this technology. India can stay up with the world's 5G innovations
and even take the lead through successful PPPs, paving the way for a future where everyone
is digitally empowered and connected.

9
 Bibliography

1. Chew, Michael Yit Lin, et al. "Evaluating the roadmap of 5G technology implementation
for smart building and facilities management in Singapore." Sustainability 12.24 (2020):
10259.
2. Kutumbale, Vishakha, and V. P. Telang. "Public private partnerships in India." Research
Front 2.4 (2014): 13-26.
3. Pratap, Kumar V., and Rajesh Chakrabarti. Public-Private Partnerships in Infrastructure
Managing the Challenges. Springer, 2017.
4. Laksmanan, L. Public-private Partnership in Indian Infrastructure Development: Issues
and Options. Reserve Bank of India, 2008.
5. Ullah, Amir. "Public private partnership in infrastructure development of rural areas:
opportunities and challenges in India." The International Journal of Humanities & Social
Studies 2.2 (2014).
6. Khaturia, Meghna, et al. "Towards frugal 5G: A case study of Palghar test-bed in india."
2019 IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference Workshop
(WCNCW). IEEE, 2019.
7. Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology. IoT Policy Document. Government of
India, 2015, IoT Policy Document, meity.gov.in/sites/upload_files/dit/files/Draft-IoT-
Policy%20(1).pdf.
8. The 5G Infrastructure Public Private Partnership, < https://5g-ppp.eu/tsdsi-and-the-5g-
ia-signed-a-memorandum-of-understanding-to-foster-collaboration-on-research-
standards-regulations-and-policies/>.

10
9. S. B. Belur, M. Khaturia, and N. P. Rao, “Community-led Networks for Sustainable Rural
Broadband in India: the Case of Gram Marg,” Chapter 8 of Community Networks: the
Internet by the People, for the People, p. 193.
10. Jamali, Dima. "A public-private partnership in the Lebanese telecommunications
industry: Critical success factors and policy lessons." Public Works Management &
Policy 9.2 (2004): 103-119.
11. Nagpal, Rashmi Khorana. "Accelerating Public-Private Partnership Model of
Infrastructure Projects in India: Existing Frameworks and Challenges." Journal of Global
Research & Analysis 5 (2016): 260.
12. Chotia, Varun, and N. V. M. Rao. "Infrastructure financing and economic growth in India:
an empirical investigation." Journal of Financial Management of Property and
Construction 23.3 (2018): 258-273.

11