The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has initiated consultations on various aspects related to the auctioning of new bands of spectrum suitable for both mobility and satellite communication services. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has identified frequency ranges of 37-37.5 GHz for International Mobile Telecommunication (IMT) and 37.5 - 40 GHz as well as 42.5 - 43.5 GHz for both IMT and satellite gateway links, which will be available in the next auction.
TRAI is soliciting feedback from stakeholders on several key issues, including the quantum of airwaves to be auctioned, the validity period, and the service areas in which they should be allocated. Additionally, TRAI is seeking input on spectrum pricing, block size, minimum bid quantity, and other auction-related metrics.
The regulator has highlighted potential challenges in sharing the 37.5-40 GHz and 42.5-43.5 GHz spectrum frequency ranges between IMT and Satellite Gateway links. TRAI is seeking advice on how to address these challenges and ensure their coexistence effectively.
A total of 4,000 MHz of frequency spectrum will be available in each licensed service area within the aforementioned frequency ranges. While the USA has auctioned two frequency bands among these, other countries are still in the process of consulting on the subject.
This auction will mark the first time that spectrum in the above 37 GHz bands, also known as the mmWave band, will be available for sale in India. While mid-band spectrum is typically considered ideal for 5G, mmWave spectrum is also suitable for deploying 5G networks. Recently, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel announced their plans to roll out 5G networks using mmWave spectrum (26 GHz) acquired in last year's auction.
