Mumbai, Maharashtra, India | 7th February 2026: Bharat Exhibitions successfully hosted the first-ever Bharat Private 5G Networks Summit 2026 at Radisson Blu, Mumbai International Airport, bringing together senior leaders from enterprises, telecom operators, technology providers, system integrators, and policymakers. The landmark summit served as India’s dedicated platform for private 5G networks, focusing on deployment models, spectrum frameworks, and measurable return on investment (ROI) for enterprises across the country.
Positioned as a catalyst for India’s private 5G ecosystem, the summit explored how next-generation connectivity can transform smart factories, ports, campuses, logistics hubs, and critical infrastructure. Sessions highlighted real-world use cases across manufacturing, transport, utilities, healthcare, and public services, demonstrating how ultra-reliable, low-latency networks enable automation, productivity improvements, enhanced safety, and new digital business models.
“Private 5G is rapidly moving from pilots to production, and enterprises are seeking clarity on technology choices, regulatory pathways, and tangible business impact,” said Mr. Shashi Dharan, Managing Director, Bharat Exhibitions. “The Bharat Private 5G Networks Summit 2026 serves as a neutral forum for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and co-creation of India’s private 5G roadmap.”
The one-day summit featured keynote addresses from government and regulatory authorities, expert panels on spectrum and deployment architectures, and case studies of operational private 5G networks in India and overseas. Interactive sessions examined ecosystem readiness, device and edge computing requirements, cybersecurity, integration with existing IT and OT systems, and financing models for large-scale rollouts.
Delivering the inaugural address, Brig. Anil Tandan (Retd.), Director General, Broadband India Forum, stated that private 5G should be viewed as a transformative enabler for enterprises, campuses, factories, ports, airports, and critical infrastructure. He emphasized that private 5G is not a replacement for public networks but a powerful complement that unlocks productivity, efficiency, and Industry 4.0 outcomes. He further noted that India stands at a crucial inflection point, supported by progressive policies, a strong technology ecosystem, and enterprises ready to adopt advanced digital infrastructure.
Dr. Sanjay Joglekar, Chief Technology Officer, Mumbai Port Authority, highlighted the role of private 5G in modern port operations. He explained that as ports evolve into complex digital ecosystems, reliable and secure real-time communication becomes essential. Private 5G enables automation, real-time asset and cargo tracking, smart surveillance, and improved worker safety, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and turnaround times.
Mr. Rajeev Saluja, Vice President – 5G Radio, Reliance Jio, described 2026 as the “smartphone moment for enterprise technology,” noting that private 5G is a platform for reimagining operations through automation, real-time analytics, AI, and Industry 4.0 applications. He reaffirmed Reliance Jio’s commitment to building secure, interoperable, and resilient private 5G networks aligned with national initiatives such as Digital India, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Mr. Gulshan Khurana, EVP (Technology), Vodafone Idea, stated that private 5G will be the cornerstone of industrial transformation, enabling smarter factories, connected healthcare, intelligent cities, and resilient enterprises.
Echoing similar views, Shri Sanjay Sharma, CEO, Powergrid Teleservices Limited, and Shri Anil N. Dhanolkar, CGM CNTX (West), BSNL, emphasized that private 5G will drive industrial growth and national competitiveness, supporting India’s transition to Industry 4.0 and beyond.
The summit also featured insights from leading industry experts including representatives from 6D Technologies, Airspan Networks, Druid Software, Western Coalfields Limited, PwC India, EY India, GSMA Intelligence, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), L&T Technology Services, Ministry of Defence, and Broadband India Forum, among others.
The highly anticipated summit was supported by strategic partners 6D Technologies, C-DoT, Airspan Networks, Druid Software, Huber+Suhner, COMMSCOPE, SAARTEK, Communications Today, Broadband India Forum, Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA), and ITU-APT Foundation of India.
With strong participation from industry, government, and technology leaders, the Bharat Private 5G Networks Summit 2026 reinforced India’s position as an emerging hub for enterprise-grade 5G innovation and laid the foundation for accelerated adoption of private 5G networks across key economic sectors.
