The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released recommendations on the assignment and usage of microwave spectrum across the 6 GHz (lower), 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, 21 GHz bands, as well as the E-Band and V-Band. The framework defines how spectrum should be allocated for backhaul networks, eligibility rules for users, assignment conditions, renewal mechanisms, and future alignment with global decisions expected at WRC-27.
TRAI has clarified that traditional microwave backhaul bands including 6 GHz (lower), 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, and 21 GHz must be used strictly for radio backhaul. No part of these bands should be assigned for last mile connectivity or fixed wireless access for customer equipment. Any authorised entity, including captive users, that requires point-to-point links for interconnecting telecom equipment will be eligible to obtain spectrum in these traditional bands, but only for self-use.
The Authority has recommended a uniform carrier size of 28 MHz (paired) for these bands. Wherever an entity seeks more than one carrier in a band, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) should ensure contiguous allocation to the extent possible. Spectrum assignees should be allowed to aggregate or split carriers without prior approval.
TRAI has proposed that usage of the 7 GHz band should be reviewed after the outcomes of WRC-2027. Until then, existing point-to-point links may continue on an annual renewal basis, but no new links should be assigned. If the Government decides to continue using the 7 GHz band for backhaul after WRC-27, it should be assigned similar to the 6 GHz (lower) band.
For the 15 GHz band, TRAI recommends a review only after WRC-27. Existing carriers may continue, and new carriers may be assigned only to providers that already hold carriers in the same LSA. If the band continues to be used for backhaul post WRC-27, this restriction should be removed.
The 6 GHz (lower) band should be assigned only on a point-to-point link basis with a ceiling of two carriers per link. Meanwhile, the 13 GHz, 15 GHz, and 18 GHz bands should be assigned on a block-basis within each licensed service area to wireless access service providers exclusively for backhauling wireless access network traffic.
TRAI has clarified that although access service providers may offer multiple services, they may use these bands only for wireless backhaul and not for any other purpose. No new point-to-point assignments should be made in these three bands, although existing users may continue on an annual renewal basis. The Government is encouraged to facilitate migration of these users to the 21 GHz band.
The 21 GHz band should be assigned on a point-to-point basis to authorised entities for backhauling any telecom traffic except wireless access network traffic. Access service providers may use this band for wireline telephony or internet traffic backhaul. A ceiling of four carriers per link has been recommended. The band should not be assigned on a block-basis going forward for wireless access backhaul, although providers may retain existing carriers and have them counted within an overall ceiling. TRAI has recommended a combined ceiling of eight paired carriers across the 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, and 21 GHz bands for any wireless access service provider for wireless backhaul.
The minimum link length for 6 GHz (lower) should be 15 km in plains and 10 km in hilly terrain. There should be no minimum link length requirement for 21 GHz links. Entities should be allowed to surrender microwave carriers with a notice period of 30 days, while DoT should confirm acceptance within a similar window. In case of surrender of block-assigned spectrum, proof of payment up to the previous quarter must be provided.
TRAI has recommended that there be no rollout obligations for backhaul spectrum in these traditional bands. The terms, conditions, and pricing framework recommended will remain valid for five years, ensuring regulatory stability for operators and captive network users deploying microwave backhaul infrastructure across India.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
