A senior official from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) revealed plans to utilize existing street infrastructure, such as street poles, electric poles, and public facilities, to deploy localized 5G equipment modules. The MCD official, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared that they have received five applications from operators to establish 5G network areas, and letters of intent have been awarded to four operators. Approved areas include Pitampura, sectors 7 and 8 in Rohini (north Delhi), and Patparganj in east Delhi.
Explaining further, the official stated that 5G towers are masts with radio transmitters, owned or operated by the network owner. Private operators can rent space on street furniture installed by the MCD. Charges for module installation on each pole or site, which are expected to number in the thousands across the city, have been set at €100 per annum with a one-time charge of €1,000 per application. The official anticipates substantial revenue due to the smaller coverage area of high-frequency 5G equipment.
According to MCD’s policy, permission can be granted to install small cell towers on street furniture owned and managed by MCD. The minimum security deposit per application is €50,000. For operators covering multiple areas with numerous small cell towers, a cap of €50 lakh on the security deposit has been set. The charge for installing these small cell towers is ₹300 per year per site. The establishment rate for overground and underground telegraph infrastructure is €1,000 per kilometer, following the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016.
