TRAI Asked to Speed up 5G Spectrum Pricing; Initial Launch Expected by August 15

While 5G spectrum auctionsare confirmedto start in India this year (possibly in May), we are yet to get an official date. In order to ensure this auction date is soon enough, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has asked TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) to speed up the spectrum pricing process. Here are the details.

India’s PM Wants 5G Rollout by August 15

In aletterto TRAI, DoT has requested the department toget the required recommendations on the 5G spectrum pricingbefore Marchso that the spectrum auctions could start as soon as possible. If the process of speeding up, there are high chances that the auctions will take place in May, which has beenrumoredfor a while.

The letter also talks about Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s wish ofconducting the initial launch of 5G in India in August 2022, close to this year’s Independence Day.

The letter reads, “PMO has requested DoT to work towards the initial launch of 5G by 15th August 2022 and also explore the possibility of obtaining requisite recommendations from TRAI before March-2022. In view of the above, TRAI is requested to expedite the matter and provide the recommendations at the earliest.”

In addition to this, the letter also suggests that there’s the availability ofextra spectrum in the 800Mhz, 900Mhz, and 1800Mhz bands. While the 900 Mhz band can get an additional 34Mhz spectrum (in addition to 65.2Mhz), the 1800Mhz band can get the 10Mhz spectrum. There’s no word on the amount of extra spectrum for the 800Mhz.

To recall, at this year’s Union Budget session, the Indian Government also announced thatthe commercial 5G rollout is expected in 2022-2023. It appears like the government is serious this time as evident from the steps it is taking to speed up the process. More details regarding this aren’t decided yet. So, we will keep you posted as soon as we get some. Stay tuned for more information.

Vanshika Malhotra

Started off as a stranger but tech is more like a good friend, thanks to over 5 years in the industry. While everything is attractive about tech, phones, social media, and quirky gadgets attract me the most. When not working, I find my solace in shopping and everything that concerns doggos!

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