Union Cabinet's Spectrum Refarming Approval
The Union cabinet has approved the Department of Telecommunications' (DoT) plan to refarm approximately 1100 MHz of spectrum, potentially worth ₹5 lakh crore, for future auctions to support 5G and 6G telecom services.
Key Details of the Spectrum Refarming
- The refarming includes spectrum from 10 bands, ranging from 470 MHz to 6 GHz.
- Currently, these bands are utilized by ministries like space, defense, information and broadcasting, railways, and housing and urban affairs.
- The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will suggest the spectrum pricing.
Importance and Potential of the Spectrum Refarming
- The mid-band spectrum (1000 MHz to 6000 MHz) is crucial for 4G and 5G services.
- Officials estimate the spectrum's value based on previous auction bids to be around ₹5 lakh crore.
- The telecom industry requires about 2,000 MHz in the mid-band range in the upcoming years, while currently, only 400 MHz is available.
Industry Perspective and Future Prospects
- The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) emphasizes the potential of the available mid-band spectrum (5925-7125 MHz) for mobile telecommunications.
- The industry seeks delicensing of the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi services.
- The DoT acknowledges the need for more airwaves in mid-band and premium lower bands to upgrade 5G and introduce 6G by 2030.
