The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has recommended the auction of 3000 MHz of mmWave spectrum to support 5G services.
The new spectrum will help expand 5G networks and offer faster mobile connections. The auction will allow mobile operators, internet service providers, and M2M service providers to participate.
This move is part of efforts to strengthen 5G network infrastructure in India, enabling new applications such as IoT and smart cities. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will decide when the auction will take place.
TRAI, in its recommendations, said the frequency spectrum in the 37-37.5 GHz and 37.5-40 GHz ranges should be included in the upcoming spectrum auction. For the 37-40 GHz frequency range, TDD-based duplexing configuration should be adopted under band n260. However, due to the lack of a device ecosystem, the 42.5-43.5 GHz range should not be auctioned for now, and a separate reference may be made for it later.
The reserve price for the 37-37.5 GHz and 37.5-40 GHz bands should be set at 70 percent of the average valuation. The spectrum in the n260 band (37-40 GHz) should be auctioned for 20 years, and it should be auctioned on a Telecom Circle/Metro basis.
The auction for the n260 band should have a block size of 100 MHz, with a minimum of one block for bidding, and any additional spectrum acquired should be contiguous. The spectrum cap for the n260 band should be set at 40 percent of the total spectrum auctioned and should not be combined with the 26 GHz band for the cap purpose. Lastly, the minimum roll-out obligations for the n260 band should align with those prescribed for the 26 GHz band in the NIA 2024.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
