Key Points

Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is seeking TRAI’s recommendations for the auction of radio frequency spectrum in the frequency bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT).

In response to DoT's reference dated 02.08.2023 on auction of RF spectrum in the 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz, 26 GHz and 37-37.5 GHz, 37.5-40 GHz and 42.5-43.5 GHz bands, TRAI had provided its recommendations on 01.09.2023.

Based on the TRAI's recommendations, the government conducted auction of spectrum in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz and 26 GHz bands during June 2024.

In the auction held in 2024, the 600 MHz band was not put to auction considering that this band was not sold in the auction held during 2022, the equipment ecosystem has not yet fully developed for this band and only a few countries have deployed 600 MHz in their public network.

In the ITU Radio Regulations also, this band has not been identified at the regional or global level for IMT. Therefore, DoT has decided to seek fresh recommendations of TRAI before putting this band for auction, according to Ministry of Communications.

Out of the total 700 MHz spectrum in the 6425-7125 MHz range, only 400 MHz spectrum in two fragmented chunks at 6425-6725 MHz (300 MHz) and 7025-7125 MHz (100 MHz) are immediately available for auction, and remaining 300 MHz in the 6725-7025 MHz frequency range will be available by December 2030.

In view of this, appropriate time for the auction of 6 GHz is required to be explored considering the less developed ecosystem and availability of only 400 MHz spectrum in a fragmented manner.

A total of 687 MHz of spectrum is to be re-farmed for IMT based services. DoT has also provided LSA-wise quantum of spectrum available with the Government in the existing and new IMT bands, through the reference.

- IANS