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Level-playing field between private, public 5G networks absurd: BIF

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Amid calls to ensure a level-playing field between public and private 5G networks, Broadband India Forum (BIF) on Tuesday said that such demands are ‘absurd and impractical’ as the two 5G networks are entirely different set of services for two entirely different requirements.

Nowhere in over 55 countries where private 5G networks are deployed have similar regulations been issued, said the think tank, as the two networks are on completely different footings and are not competing with each other.

“Seeking a level-playing field with enterprises for captive private networks is akin to a child in kindergarten being asked to compete with someone who has a doctoral degree. No mature regulator anywhere in the world imposes regulation on a player with no or minimal market share,a said BIF President TV Ramachandran.

Enterprises will not be in the business of selling services or earning revenues through private 5G networks, but only use it for self-consumption.

“The credibility and rationale of such claims are questionable and require introspection,” he said in a statement.

Private 5G networks are about the deployment of high speed, enhanced data capacity, and ultra-low latency applications inside a closed manufacturing unit, hospital, airport, shipping port, among others.

Private 5G networks are single end-user (the enterprise itself) in the given location, unlike a vast number of users in public networks.

In the case of private networks, the quantum of spectrum required is very small (going up to about 100 MHz) unlike the huge amounts of spectrum (almost 72000 MHz) used by public networks.

“While public networks are configured for ‘best effort’ service-level agreements (SLAs) to deliver average performance for external voice and data connectivity, private 5G Networks are meant to serve extremely high reliability and ultra-high SLAs with extremely low latency applications and ultra-high data rates,: the forum argued.

The telcos can operate their networks in full power, whereas private networks have to restrict power to a regulated level just like Wi-Fi networks, to prevent signals spilling out of their premises.

Hence, the same spectrum can be re-used many times across multiple different locations, unlike the case of public 5G networks.

“Private networks are not in the business of selling telecom services and earning revenues from it, but would be using the same purely for self-consumption,” said the forum.

The spectrum that is earmarked for private networks needs to be exclusive and distinct from those bands for Public 5G, to avoid needless possibilities of interference between the two networks.

“Seeking a level playing field with enterprises for captive private networks is akin to a child in kindergarten being asked to compete with someone who has a doctoral degree,” said Ramachandran.

The Union Cabinet last week approved the telecom department’s proposal to conduct 5G spectrum by the end of next month.

The Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for the spectrum auction permits all the four methods of allocating spectrum for Private 5G Networks as recommended by the Telecom Authority of India (TRAI), including the option of enterprises obtaining spectrum directly from the Department of Telecommunication (DoT).

This provides enterprises the much-required right to develop their private 5G networks based on the specialised requirements for their distinctive captive use.

Leading industry bodies have hailed the TRAI recommendations of around 35-40 per cent cut in the reserve price for 5G spectrum for mobile services, terming it historic and which can finally put India on the world 5G map.

The telecom regulator has put forward a mega auction plan valued at over Rs 7.5 trillion at the base price allocated over 30 years.

Business

Tata Motors Unveils Limited-Edition Safari STEALTH to Mark 27 Years of Legacy

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Tata Motors is celebrating 27 years of the Safari with the launch of the exclusive STEALTH Edition, a limited-run variant designed for those who seek style and performance. Available in both the Harrier and Safari models, only 2,700 units of this edition will be produced. The Harrier STEALTH is priced at Rs 25.09 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the Safari STEALTH starts at Rs 25.74 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and is offered in both 6- and 7-seater configurations. With a striking design, premium features, and advanced technology, the STEALTH Edition adds a new level of exclusivity to Tata’s SUV lineup.

The Tata STEALTH Edition brings a bold, monotone design that reflects the growing demand for exclusive and distinctive vehicles. With limited units available, this special edition is set to attract enthusiasts looking for a unique SUV. Bookings for the STEALTH Edition opened on February 21, both online and at Tata dealerships across India, giving customers the chance to own a rare and stylish addition to Tata’s lineup.

The Harrier and Safari STEALTH Edition stand out with their bold design and advanced features, built on the sturdy OMEGARC platform derived from Land Rover’s D8 architecture. The exclusive Matte Black finish, R19 Black Alloy Wheels, and a distinctive STEALTH mascot give these SUVs a powerful road presence. Inside, the cabin is designed for comfort with ventilated first- and second-row seats (Safari only for the second row), a Carbon-Noir interior theme, and a voice-assisted dual-zone climate control system.

Technology is a highlight, featuring a 31.24 cm Harman touchscreen, Arcade App Store, Alexa Home 2 Car, Map My India navigation, and a 10-speaker JBL audio system with Harman AudioworX. Power comes from a 2.0L KRYOTEC BS6 Phase 2 turbocharged engine producing 170PS, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Safety is a priority, with Level 2+ ADAS offering 21 functions, including a segment-first Intelligent Speed Assist, along with 7 airbags and ESP with 17 safety features.

Unveiling this exciting new version of the Harrier and Safari, Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., stated, “Tata Motors has been a leader in the Indian SUV segment, with innovation at its core. The Tata Safari, which introduced the concept of a lifestyle SUV to India, reflects this legacy of pioneering excellence. Over 27 remarkable years, the Safari has constantly evolved, and the launch of the STEALTH Edition is a tribute to this journey. This special edition is an exclusive offering, with only 2,700 units available in the striking STEALTH Matte Black finish. More than just an SUV, the STEALTH Edition is a symbol of prestige, adventure, and capability, making it a highly desirable collector’s item for enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Owning a STEALTH Edition isn’t just about having an extraordinary vehicle—it’s about claiming a piece of automotive history that many will aspire to have in their collection.”

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Maruti Suzuki’s New Mid-Term Plan Aims To Make India An Export Hub, Launch More EVs

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New Delhi: The Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan, the parent company of Maruti Suzuki India, on Thursday announced a new mid-term plan with a “rethink” in its strategy as “the business environment has changed due to declining market share in India” and the growing electrical vehicles segment.

In its new mid-term plan for 2025-30, the company has identified India as its “most important market”. Maruti Suzuki aims to create a manufacturing capacity of producing 4 million cars annually to reclaim a 50 per cent market share in India and use the country as a global export hub as well.

The auto major plans to expand its EV lineup starting with the e-Vitara, and is aiming to launch four new EV models by FY30 in a segment where its rivals like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra already have a varied EV portfolio in India.

“In India, we will promote further localisation in line with the growth of the electric vehicle market,” the company said.

Maruti Suzuki is currently exporting three lakh vehicles from India annually. By the end of this decade, it is targeting the export of 7.5-8 lakh units per year.

While the company noted it achieved revenue and profit targets ahead of schedule by improving sales mix and quality, its sales volume target could not be met.

It noted that the “competitive environment is becoming increasingly severe, and the quality of product functions, equipment and services required by customers is increasing”.

It aims to be India’s no.1 carmaker in terms of production, local sales and exports of electric cars. A total of six electric vehicles will be introduced by FY30, including four electric cars and two commercial vehicles.

Suzuki Motor plans to invest 1,200 billion yen (about Rs 7,000 crore) as capital expenditure towards production, new models, carbon neutrality and quality measures. A new plant in Haryana’s Kharkhoda and an assembly line in Suzuki Motor Gujarat will come onstream by 2030 for a total installed capacity of four million units.

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‘Made in India’ iPhone 6e not SE variant but a next-gen entry point for consumers

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New Delhi, Feb 20: In a further push to the local manufacturing, the entire iPhone 16 lineup, including the newly-launched iPhone 16e, is now being assembled in India for domestic market as well as for exports, as industry experts on Thursday cleared the air around the new device being compared to now-retired iPhone SE.

The new Apple device, with A18 chip, breakthrough battery life, Apple Intelligence, and a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system, is being manufactured/assembled for local consumption as well as for export to select countries.

According to experts, iPhone 16e is not iPhone SE4 and the whole “comparison is futile”.

When iPhone SE was launched, it was another masterstroke at that time. However, times have changed since then.

“Essentially, Apple retired the SE lineup and extended the iPhone 16 lineup with a new entry point. iPhone SE was no longer adding any value to consumers, developers or Apple,” said Neil Shah, Partner and Co-Founder at Counterpoint Research.

The iPhone SE which was positioned as a “Special Edition,” which brought nostalgia of older and smaller design, was priced around $400.

However, the iPhone SE lost its value and popularity, which used to be once 16 per cent of the total iPhone sales volumes, dropped to 1 per cent last year.

According to Shah, consumers now prefer better cameras, bigger displays and faster processors.

“With all this background, what Apple did was to extend the 16 series with a newer ‘base version’ of iPhone 16 and now retired SE,” Shah explained.

According to industry experts, the company has done well with streamlining the series, reducing fragmentation in design and experience and able to charge $599 (US)/Rs 59,999 (India) with the newest entry point for the best Apple experiences.

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