5G Spectrum Auctions move closer to reality

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5G Spectrum Auctions move closer to reality
29 Apr 2022
6 min read

News Synopsis

As per a report by The Hindu, according to Indian telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, auctions of the 5G spectrum in India are on track for the month of June as planned earlier, despite telecom operators and companies raising concerns about its high prices. Earlier, the Industry group Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) while earlier reacting to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) 5G spectrum auction recommendations has stated, “The spectrum pricing recommended by TRAI is too high. Industry recommended a 90% lower price, and to see only about a 35-40% reduction recommended at prices, therefore is deeply disappointing.”

The Indian Telecom Minister thinks that the 5G service will roll out in the month of August or September, which looks a little optimistic as previously telecom operators have told they would need six months from the spectrum auction to launch their 5G services. Additionally, telecom companies have been given extended time up to May 2022 to test their 5G networks. It could be possible for them to accelerate the commercial rollout of 5G. The other option would be the one like Jio has done in the past with beta testing its 4G-only network, telcos could launch 5G services in a limited manner before a wider commercial rollout.

TWN Special