5G spectrum auctions and subsequent network rollouts seem poised for 2Q2022

In an interview on Thursday, the Communications and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the auction procedures for the next generation or 5G airwaves and network rollouts will start in the second quarter of the next year.

The Telecom Regulator Authority of India (TRAI) has already kick-started a consultation process that will focus on finalizing the base price across the 10 frequency bands which will aid in the commercial launch of 5G services in India. TRAI has also asked the stakeholders for their views by December 28 and counter views by January 11. The regulator has asked for comments on issues pertaining to the sale of upcoming airwaves such as the reserve price, band plan, block size, quantum of the spectrum, and related conditions.

Ashwini Vaishnaw assured that as soon as the consultation process is completed and the parameters for the auction process are decided upon, the auction and rollout of the service will begin instantaneously in the second quarter of 2022.

He added that with the introduction of 5G services in the country the network speed, data quality, as well as download and upload speed in the country, will witness a significant enhancement.

Telecommunications Engineering Centre (TEC) has already commenced the evaluation of 5Gi for commercial use which is India’s own standard for 5G services. CT Bureau