Slow RoW permissions from discoms dragging 5G rollout: telecom infra firms

The Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA) has also flagged only three major states aligning state policies with central right-of-way guidelines

The slow pace of permissions and lack of bulk right-of-way (RoW) clearances by state-owned power distribution companies (discoms) is slowing the deployment of 5G infrastructure, the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA) has said.

DIPA, which represents telecom infrastructure providers such as tower companies and equipment makers, on Monday said state discoms aren't quickly disbursing RoW permissions. Discoms--utilities that typically buy power from generators and retail these to consumers--have become a key part of the 5G rollout after a government push to allow 5G radios to be increasingly installed on 'street furniture' such as electric poles, bus stops and traffic lights.