Telcos need 2 GHz mid-band spectrum for optimal 5G coverage, COAI

According to an industry finding, telcos require 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum per market to achieve the desired user experience for 5G. This includes download speeds of 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 50 Mbps, as definedthe International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radiocommunication sector.

The demand for spectrum is driventhe increasing need for high-speed connectivity and the growing number of connected devices. With the deployment of 5G technology, there will be an exponential increase in data consumption, requiring more bandwidth.

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) and the Broadband India Forum (BIF) have both emphasized the importance of allocating sufficient spectrum to telcos for better 5G coverage. They argue that a substantial amount of spectrum in the 2 GHz band will enable telcos to provide seamless connectivity and faster data speeds to their customers.

The International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) spectrum, which includes the 2 GHz band, is considered ideal for 5G deployment due to its ability to provide both coverage and capacity. It offers better propagation characteristics compared to higher frequency bands, making it suitable for wide-area coverage.

Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea, and Bharti Airtel are among the major telcos in India that are eagerly awaiting the allocation of the 2 GHz spectrum. They are already investing heavily in 5G infrastructure to prepare for the future.

In conclusion, the allocation of 2 GHz spectrum is crucial for telcos to provide enhanced 5G coverage and meet the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity. The industry groups are urging the government to ensure the availability of sufficient spectrum to support the deployment of 5G technology. OPP Today