5G trials not possible in 2020

5G trials are expected to be delayed further, and may be held only in 2021 now. This is attributed to the delay in the security clearances from the Home Ministry (MHA) reported Danish Anand, Zee Business in a recent news item.

The testing which was originally scheduled to be carried out in March got delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The delay would impact the 5G spectrum auction timeline too, for which DoT is absolutely ready to provide the required spectrum so that the testing process can be initiated by the telecom operators.

Danish further added that this was inspite of 5G devices available in the country and the service providers having put in fresh applications for their preferred partners for 5G trials, and excluded the Chinese vendors, as advised by the government.

Jio has named Samsung, Nokia, and Ericsson; Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea have selected Nokia and Ericsson; and BSNL has indicated that it would go with C-DoT, the torch bearer of indigenous telecom R&D.
CT Bureau