Govt doesn’t want to delay tech progress; 5G spectrum auction soon

The Indian Government is planning an auction of the 5G spectrum this year and it will be for the first time that it will sell bands over 3, 000 MHz.

The Centre doesn’t want to delay any progress in technology advancements.

Besides 5G spectrum auction, the Govt will also go for a fresh auction in 700 MHz band, which saw no takers last year. Also on sale will be any remaining spectrum in bands such as 800 MHz, 900, 1,800, 2,100, 2,300 and 2,500 MHz.

“The 5G auction will be conducted by selling spectrum in bands over 3,000 MHz, and sale will be conducted here for the first time,” top sources told TOI.

"The file has been moved within the telecom ministry, and we will make a reference to Trai on the issue very soon," one source told TOI.

5G spectrum will be sold in bands such as 3,300 MHz and 3,400 MHz. This will help in roll out of several services such as internet of things (IoT), machine-to-machine communications, instant high-definition video transfer and downloads, and connected smart cities.

"These bands have potential when considered from the point of view of where we are headed for, in terms of technological progress. We intend to move in early in adoption of new technologies and also get a response from the industry on the matter," another source told TOI.

By 2022, Ericsson forecasts 55 crore 5G subscriptions and coverage of 10% of global population for the technology. The government had dropped hints