Bharat Private 5G Summit 2026: Pioneering Smart Networks for a Digital India
In a landmark event, Bharat Exhibitions hosted the first-ever Bharat Private 5G Networks Summit 2026 at the Radisson Blu, Mumbai International Airport. This summit served as India's dedicated platform for exploring the transformative potential of private 5G networks, bringing together senior leaders from enterprises, telecom operators, technology vendors, system integrators, and policymakers.
Debating Deployment and ROI for Next-Generation Connectivity
The one-day summit focused on critical debates surrounding deployment models, spectrum options, and real return on investment (ROI) from private 5G networks across the nation. Sessions delved into how these advanced networks can power smart factories, ports, campuses, logistics hubs, and critical infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on use cases in manufacturing, transport, utilities, healthcare, and public services.
Key discussions highlighted the productivity gains, automation, safety improvements, and new digital business models enabled by ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity. Mr. Shashi Dharan, Managing Director of Bharat Exhibitions, emphasized, "Private 5G is moving rapidly from pilots to production, and enterprises are seeking clear guidance on technology choices, regulatory pathways, and measurable business impact." He added that the summit aimed to provide a neutral forum for stakeholders to collaborate and co-create India's private 5G roadmap.
Expert Insights on Transformative Potential
The event featured keynote addresses from government and regulatory leaders, along with expert panels on spectrum frameworks and deployment architectures. Case studies of live private 5G networks in India and overseas were presented, offering practical insights into implementation.
Brig. Anil Tandan (Retd.), Director General of the Broadband India Forum, in his inaugural address, stated, "Let's view Private 5G as a transformative enabler—bringing ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity to enterprises, campuses, factories, ports, airports, and critical infrastructure. It is not a replacement for public networks but a powerful complement that unlocks productivity, efficiency, and Industry 4.0 outcomes." He noted that India stands at a unique inflection point with progressive policy intent and a strong technology ecosystem.
Dr. Sanjay Joglekar, Chief Technology Officer of the Mumbai Port Authority, highlighted the role of private 5G in modernizing port operations. "Private 5G offers ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity that can support automation of port operations, real-time asset and cargo tracking, smart surveillance, and enhanced worker safety, significantly improving operational efficiency and turnaround times," he explained.
Industry Leaders Commit to Innovation and Collaboration
Mr. Rajeev Saluja, Vice President of 5G Radio at Reliance Jio, remarked, "2026 is the smartphone moment for technology. Private 5G is not merely a technology upgrade; it is a platform for reimagining operations through automation, real-time analytics, AI, and Industry 4.0 applications." He reiterated Jio's commitment to enabling full-scale production environments that deliver measurable business outcomes, aligning with national priorities like Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Mr. Gulshan Khurana, EVP (Technology) at Vodafone Idea, echoed this sentiment, stating, "As India embraces the digital future, private 5G will be the cornerstone of industrial transformation. Vodafone Idea's commitment to investment and innovation signals that India is ready to lead in this space."
Other distinguished speakers included representatives from Powergrid Teleservices Limited, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd., and various technology firms, who discussed ecosystem readiness, device and edge computing requirements, cybersecurity, integration with existing IT/OT systems, and financing models for large-scale rollouts.
Partnerships and Future Outlook
The summit was partnered by leading organizations such as 6D Technologies, C-DoT, Airspan Networks, and the Broadband India Forum, underscoring the collaborative effort needed to advance private 5G in India. Interactive sessions examined how to harness this technology to build smarter factories, connected healthcare, intelligent cities, and resilient enterprises.
As India accelerates toward a digitally empowered economy, the Bharat Private 5G Networks Summit 2026 has set the stage for enhanced productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability through intelligent connectivity.
