Plans being made to hold 5G spectrum auction in 2024

Dates are being discussed for the 5G spectrum auction to be held in 2024. The department is considering freeing up mid-band spectrum in range of 1 GHz to 6 GHz and milli-meter wave band spectrum in range of 37 GHz and 42 GHz for the auction. Discussions are being held with other ministries like ministry of broadcasting and space on the amount of spectrum that can be sold.

The spectrum ranging from 3.3 GHz to 3.8 GHz is considered attractive for 5G as this range is being used by many countries and it leads to speedy development of 5G ecosystem, including handsets and equipment. The department is planning to free up more airwaves in the wake of faster 5G adoption and upcoming 6G technology.

Last year, the department had auctioned spectrum in bands ranging from 3.3 GHz to 3.6 GHz and 26 GHz mmWave band attracting demand from all the leading telecom players like Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel.

The process of spectrum auction begins after the committee of telecom department identifies the spectrum bands and the quantum to be auctioned. After that the matter is placed before committee of secretaries. However, before announcement of auction the recommendations are sought from Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on pricing of spectrum.

As per budget estimates, the revenue from the telecom sector will shoot up by 30 per cent in FY24 to Rs 89,469.17 crore, the revenue will constitute due payments from spectrum sale in FY21 and FY22 auctions, and bandwidth expiring in 2024.

CT Bureau