DoT allocates spectrum to telecom operators; Asks to prepare for 5G launch likely by next month.

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has allocated spectrum to telecom operators, paving the way for launch of 5G services.
• Airtel paid 8312.4 crore rupees towards spectrum dues and was provided the allocation letter for the designated frequency bands within hours.
• E band allocation was given along with spectrum.
• With the assignment of frequencies, telecom operators can start the work for rolling out 5G networks.
• Telecos have already placed orders for buying telecom equipment and now will start distributing radios to the identified sites for 5G.
• The government as well as telecom operators are rushing to launch 5G services at the earliest, probably by next month.
• The Centre netted 150,173 crore rupees from the sale of 51,236 MHz in the seven-day auction.
• In all, it had put 72,098 MHz of airwaves on sale. Market leader Jio was the largest bidder in the 5g airwave auctions that ended on August 1, spending 88,078 crore rupees, while Airtel and Vodafone Idea brought airwaves worth 43,084 crore and 18,799 crore rupees, respectively.
• First time bidder Adani Data Networks had won airwaves for 212 crore rupees.

About 5G Technology:

• 5G is the 5^thgeneration mobile network. It is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks.
• It enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together including machines, objects, and devices.
• Internet speeds in the high-band spectrum of 5G has been tested to be as high as 20 Gbps (gigabits per second),while, in most cases, the maximum internet data speed in 4G has been recorded at 1 Gbps.

Different Bands of 5G:

• 5G mainly works in 3 bands, namely low, mid and high frequency spectrum — all of which have their own uses as well as limitations.

1. Low Band Spectrum:

• In terms of coverage and speed of Internet and data exchange, the maximum speed is limited to 100 Mbps (Megabits per second).
• This means that telecom companies can use and install it for commercial cellphone users who may not have specific demands for very high-speed Internet.
• However, the low band spectrum may not be optimal for specialised needs of the industry.

2. Mid Band Spectrum:

• It offers higher speeds compared to the low band, but has limitations in terms of coverage area and penetration of signals.
• This band may be used by industries and specialised factory units for building captive networks that can be moulded into the needs of that particular industry.

3. High Band Spectrum:

• It offers the highest speed of all the three bands, but has extremely limited coverage and signal penetration strength.
• This band greatly enhances futuristic 5G technology applications like Internet of Things (IoT) and smart technology but will require considerable infrastructure.