Polish Tech Industry Group Calls for Greater Flexibility in 5G Private Network Rules

Key Takeaways

• Cyfrowa Polska flags overly restrictive 5G spectrum rules
• Draft plan covers 3,800‑4,200 MHz band for private networks
• Group supports EU‑aligned framework but seeks technical flexibility
• International studies suggest looser limits boost network rollout
• Regulator UKE must balance security with industry growth

Pulse Analysis

Poland’s push to commercialise private 5G networks reflects a broader European trend where manufacturers, logistics firms, and utilities seek dedicated, low‑latency connectivity. The proposed allocation of the 3,800‑4,200 MHz band by the telecom regulator UKE is a critical step, but industry experts argue that the draft’s technical constraints—such as strict power limits and usage caps—run counter to best‑practice guidelines from bodies like the ITU and the European Commission. By tightening these parameters, the plan could raise deployment costs and slow the rollout of private cells that are essential for smart factories and autonomous transport.

Cyfrowa Polska, the leading ICT trade association, has publicly endorsed the overall direction of the spectrum reform, noting its alignment with EU legal standards. However, the group’s detailed feedback highlights gaps where the draft diverges from international technical analyses, which recommend more flexible licensing models, shared‑infrastructure provisions, and streamlined approval processes. Such flexibility would enable smaller operators and niche verticals to enter the market without prohibitive capital outlays, fostering a more vibrant ecosystem of 5G‑enabled services.

If UKE incorporates the suggested adjustments, Poland could accelerate its private‑5G deployment timeline, positioning the country as a testbed for Industry 4.0 solutions and attracting foreign investment. Conversely, a rigid regulatory stance may push innovators toward neighboring markets with more accommodating rules, eroding Poland’s potential as a regional digital hub. Stakeholders across the supply chain—from equipment manufacturers to end‑user enterprises—are watching the final spectrum auction closely, aware that the regulatory tone will shape the pace of digital transformation across the nation.