Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper seeking feedback on the assignment of microwave spectrum in various frequency bands — ranging from traditional microwave backhaul bands like 6 GHz, 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, and 21 GHz, to emerging bands such as the E-band (71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz) and V-band (57-64 GHz and 66 GHz).
Context and Evolution
Microwave spectrum serves as the critical backbone for mobile networks, providing the backhaul connectivity between cell sites and core networks. Traditionally, bands like 6 GHz, 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, and 21 GHz have been the workhorses for such purposes. However, with the surge in data demand, the emergence of new services, and the ongoing transition to 5G and eventually 6G, there is growing pressure to explore additional spectrum resources such as the E-band and V-band for high-capacity, short-range backhaul, and potentially even for access services like Fixed Wireless Access (FWA).
Policy Recalibration under the New Telecom Act
TRAI’s consultation gains significance in light of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which clarified the framework for spectrum assignment, categorizing backhaul spectrum under the First Schedule for administrative allocation. This effectively removes backhaul spectrum from the auction purview, streamlining deployment but also necessitating fresh guidelines on allocation, usage, and pricing. Accordingly, TRAI has been tasked by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to recommend:
Demand assessment and usage scope for E-band and V-band: Should these be used solely for backhaul, or can they support access and integrated access-backhaul models, especially in urban and rural last-mile contexts?
Spectrum charges, caps, and technical parameters for the traditional microwave bands (6–21 GHz): This involves balancing fair pricing, efficient utilization, and promoting infrastructure rollout, especially in under-served areas.
Future-proofing spectrum use in 7 GHz and 15 GHz bands: Given that the ITU’s World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-2027) may consider these bands for IMT (mobile broadband), TRAI must assess whether to continue current allocations or prepare for a potential shift to access use.
Facilitating last-mile FWA: The consultation paper also explores how much and which bands of spectrum could be earmarked for FWA, an increasingly critical component for rural connectivity and digital inclusion.
Allowing unlicensed low-power device usage in V-band: This proposal could spur innovation in indoor wireless solutions, much like the unlicensed Wi-Fi bands.
Backhaul for captive/private networks: As industries adopt private 5G networks, clear policies for non-commercial backhaul access are essential.
Stakeholder Implications
For telecom operators, equipment vendors, and emerging private network players, the consultation opens the door for shaping India’s backhaul spectrum policy for the next decade. The potential expansion of spectrum in E-band and V-band for both backhaul and access could enable cost-effective, high-capacity solutions, especially in dense urban areas. Conversely, spectrum charges, caps, and aggregation policies in traditional bands will influence business models, especially for smaller and regional operators.
For the government, the challenge is to balance administrative simplicity with market efficiency, ensuring that spectrum assignments promote competition, rural connectivity, and 5G/6G readiness, without creating bottlenecks or excessive costs.
The Road Ahead
The TRAI’s consultation process — culminating in written comments by June 25, 2025, and counter-comments by July 9, 2025 — will be critical in shaping the regulatory architecture for India’s telecom backhaul and FWA landscape. The final recommendations will determine how quickly and efficiently India can roll out advanced connectivity solutions, bridging the digital divide and enabling the digital economy’s next wave of growth.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
