Adani Group Expands Into Telecom, Receives Permit for Complete Telecommunication Services
Title: Adani Data Networks Steps into Telecom Sector with 5G Spectrum and Data Center Expansion
Adani Data Networks Finally makes its entrance into the Indian telecom market, thanks to the acquisition of a unified license for access services (UL-AS) that enables the delivery of all telecom services throughout the country. The move was made possible with the purchase of spectrum in the recent spectrum auction, marking the Adani Group's maiden voyage in the telecom sector.
According to credible sources, Adani Data Networks Ltd (ADNL) has grabbed the rights to exploit 400MHz of 26GHZ millimetre wave spectrum for a 20-year period for ₹212 crore. Their intention is to utilize these airwaves for their data centres and super app development, thereby boosting a plethora of businesses, from electric distribution to airports, gas retailing to ports. The ambitious conglomerate plans to create a unified digital platform with this freshly-acquired 5G spectrum, which will fast-track the digitalization of their core infrastructure, primary industries, and B2C portfolios.
In a recent development, Adani Enterprises Ltd's subsidiary, D C Development Noida Ltd, has leased 4,64,460 square feet of space at the Adani Data Center in Sector-62, Noida, to Raiden Infotech – a subsidiary of Google – for approximately ₹11 crore per month. Reports suggest that the rental rate per square foot is ₹235, with annual rent as high as ₹130.89 crore initially, though this figure will escalate by 1% yearly as the project progresses. This strategic expansive move comes following the formation of a joint venture between Adani Enterprises and EdgeConneX in February 2021 to develop and manage data centres across the country.
In the span of five years, the Adani Group has earmarked a capital expenditure of $15-20 billion to fund digital and telecom infrastructure investments. These investments encompass data centre leases and deployments, setting the stage for digital services expansion. It appears that the Adani Group seeks to create an integrated ecosystem of services covering logistics, ports, energy, and telecom by leveraging technology and data management to improve network services and offer unified digital solutions. This strategy is in sync with India's rapid 5G rollout, increasing data consumption, and government-backed digital expansion efforts.
Interestingly, Adani Data Networks initially scooped up substantial spectrum spanning 400 MHz across six major telecom circles in India within the 26 GHz mmWave band. However, in mid-2025, Adani Data Networks sold this spectrum to Bharti Airtel, signaling a strategic retreat from direct spectrum-based telecom services. This decision reflects a broader market realignment and Adani Group's recalibration of its telecom sector involvement, focusing more on the broader digital infrastructure space, such as data center operations and digital platform integration, which supports the evolving telecom ecosystem in India.
Sources:[1] https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/adani-enters-india-5g-race-plans-digital-platform[2] https://www.livemint.com/industry/telecom/adani-data-networks-to-exit-5g-business-sell-400-mhz-spectrum-to-airtel-11651915531993.html[3] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/airtel-to-acquire-adani-group-owned-5g-spectrum-eyeing-capex-holiday-report/articleshow/91361840.cms[4] https://www.india.com/business/adani-group-announces-capex-plan-of-rather-150-billion-for-digital-infrastructure-5142516/[5] https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/digital-india-to-drive-rural-telecom-expansion/article28344291.ece
Adani Data Networks' foray into the telecom sector extends beyond just delivering telecom services, as they aim to utilize the 400MHz of 26GHZ millimetre wave spectrum for data center development and super app creation, thereby impacting various businesses within the Adani Group.
The capital expenditure of $15-20 billion set aside by the Adani Group over five years indicates a focus on digital and telecom infrastructure investments, hinting at a broader strategy to create an integrated ecosystem of services, including logistics, ports, energy, and telecom, by leveraging technology and data management.
