Auctioning of 5G spectrum bands in India.

KEY POINTS:

• The Government gave its nod for the auction of spectrum that can be used to offer 5G services.
• A total of 72 Ghz of spectrum with a validity period of 20 years will be put on sale during the auction.
• The auction will be held for spectrum in various Low(600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz), Mid (3300 MHz) and High (26 GHz) frequency bands.
• It is expected that the Mid and High band spectrum will be utilised by telecom service providers (TSPs) to roll¬out 5G services wherein speeds would be 10 times higher than the current 4G services.
• According to Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the 5G deployment is likely to start from August –September this year, and service should commence in about 20¬- 25 cities by the year ¬end.
• The two issues that the industry has highlighted with regards to the upcoming auctions are high reserve prices for the spectrum and direct allotment of spectrum to enterprises for setting up captive private networks.