DoT set to earmark more bands for 5G under updated spectrum allocation plan

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is set to earmark further 5G spectrum bands within the run up to the subsequent public sale, in keeping with the telcos’ name to supply more airwaves for the next-gen expertise which can scale back value of rollouts, and thus decrease client pricing.

The division is probably going to unveil a revised spectrum coverage doc in early-April that can embrace spectrum throughout the sub-1 Ghz, 1-6 Ghz and millimeter wave bands (above 6 Ghz) that can make up India’s updated National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP), senior trade executives and officers stated.

The updated NFAP will define out there spectrum bands and the providers for which they can be utilized for cellular broadband communications, defence, satellite tv for pc operations under the Department of Space (DoS) and in addition to meet the wants of the aviation, I&B, railways and residential ministries.

Telcos have been pushing DoT to replace the NFAP because it doesn’t embrace the 5G bands, particularly the essential millimeter waves (learn: 26 Ghz, 28 Ghz), with out which 5G deployment prices in India would leap several-fold and make the ultra-fast wi-fi broadband service unaffordable.

“An updated NFAP inclusive of the bands earmarked globally for commercial 5G services is due out shortly, which will serve as a reference document for Trai (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) to start fresh consultations on all available 5G spectrum bands and their pricing before the next auction,” a senior trade government instructed ET.

India’s telecom regulator has at present solely earmarked mid-band spectrum within the 3.3-3.6 Ghz bands for 5G providers. Both millimeter wave and mid-band 5G airwaves are with the DoS and defence ministry.

Another government cautioned that whereas inclusion of mmWaves within the updated NFAP is essential, any reservation of those airwaves, significantly 26 Ghz, for authorities businesses would harm 5G deployments in India.

The DoS had earlier objected to allocation of airwaves within the 26 Ghz band for 5G providers, saying it may trigger interference between satellite tv for pc and 5G cellular networks. The telcos, although, have dismissed this, saying each providers can co-exist with out impacting protection.

DoT is but to schedule India’s maiden 5G spectrum sale. But the massive telcos just lately urged telecom secretary Anshu Prakash to push Trai to embrace millimeter wave (mmWave) bands for public sale together with different 5G mid-bands like 3.3-3.6 Ghz. This, because the mmWave bands supply lightning quick information charges above 2 Gbps and big capability, that are vital for working 5G use circumstances cost-effectively, and because the bulk of the worldwide 5G units ecosystem is evolving round these environment friendly airwaves.

Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea say they have already got 5G-ready networks. But they would wish a mix of 5G spectrum, each mid-band and mmWaves, for broader 5G rollouts. News Rush