Adani Data Networks had secured 400 megahertz of spectrum in the 26 GHz band
Finnish vendor Nokia is in talks with Indian company Adani Data Networks to deploy private 5G using the millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency band, Indian newspaper The Economic Times reported, citing a source with knowledge of the matter.
“Nokia is in touch with Adani Data Networks to establish 5G-backed networks for their captive use across business areas focusing on ports and mining verticals,” the source reportedly said.
Adani Data Networks is a subsidiary of local conglomerate Adani Group.
In the recent 5G spectrum auction, Adani Data Networks had secured 400 megahertz of spectrum in the 26 GHz band. The company won 100 megahertz each in Gujarat and Mumbai and 50 megahertz each in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.
The company has also recently applied for a universal license in six geographic regions across India.
Adani Data Networks said it will not provide 5G services for the consumer market but will use these frequencies to deploy 5G private networks to support the conglomerate’s connectivity needs.
Adani Group had previously confirmed that it had acquired the 5G frequencies with the aim of building a private network to support its own businesses, adding that the firm’s intention was not to participate in the consumer mobility space.
“We are participating in the 5G spectrum auction to provide private network solutions along with enhanced cyber security in the airport, logistics, power generation, transmission, distribution, and various manufacturing operations,” the company said in a release.
The group also said that its 5G investment will support charitable efforts in education, healthcare and skills development.
“In addition, as we build our own digital platform encompassing super apps, edge data centers, and industry command and control centers, we will need ultra-high quality data streaming capabilities through a high frequency and low latency 5G network across all our businesses,” Adani said.
Adani Group’s businesses include port management, electric power generation and transmission, renewable energy, mining, airport operations, natural gas, food processing and infrastructure. The conglomerate has operations in 50 countries.
The recent 5G spectrum auction in India concluded on August 1. Indian carriers purchased a total $19 billion worth of spectrum in the process. Other telcos that obtained frequencies in this process include Reliance Jio Infocomm, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea.
These telcos are expected to start launching 5G services in the country during October.
