DoT asks telcos, corporates to vacate spectrum for 5G auctions
The telecom department has asked telcos and internet service providers such as Bharti Airtel and Tata Communications, and corporations such as Indian Oil and ONGC, to vacate the spectrum they hold in the 3300-3400 Mhz band which will be used for 5G services.
The DoT said that the band in question would be sold in the next round of auctions - the first time ever that 5G airwaves would be sold in India - and has given the companies six months to vacate and migrate to other bands.
“All existing licensees of the spectrum in the 3300-3400 Mhz band are required to vacate the spectrum held by them within six months’ time from the date of issue of this notice,” the telecom department said in the notice dated March 27. A copy of this was seen by ET.
“They may like to migrate to other frequency bands presently being used to providing internet services and apply to the WPC (wireless planning and commission) accordingly, which may be considered subject to availability and as per existing procedure,” the notice added.
No new assignments will be made in the 3300-3400 MHz band, and existing licenses will not be renewed further, the notice adds. Presently, the wireless operating license holders including carriers, internet service providers and oil PSUs may use the airwaves in this band for internet services over WiMax, an industry insider said.
A Bharti Airtel spokesperson said that the company has already surrendered airwaves in this spectrum band, while RCom said that the company has already shut down services, therefore the notice does not apply to them.
Tata Communications and Aircel did not respond to queries as of press time. Aircel has filed for bankruptcy on February 28 under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code in the National Company Law Tribunal.
The government has asked the telecom regulator to give its recommendations on the reserve price of airwaves in various bands including 3300-3400 Mhz and 3500-3600 Mhz, that are being considered for offering 5G services. Besides reserve price, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) will also give its views on the rights to use spectrum, the quantum of spectrum that will be put up for auction within a band and overall, and other associated conditions.
While the regulator began the process of consultations on the next round of spectrum auctions early last year, it is yet to bring out recommendations.
India's mobile phone operators have, however, said they don't want an immediate sale, including those of 5G airwaves, due to the dire state of industry finances and want the auctions to be held in the next financial year starting April 2019.
The government though has underlined its intention of bringing 5G to India at par with global timelines, or in 2020, having lagged the world in 3G and 4G.
The DoT said that the band in question would be sold in the next round of auctions - the first time ever that 5G airwaves would be sold in India - and has given the companies six months to vacate and migrate to other bands.
“All existing licensees of the spectrum in the 3300-3400 Mhz band are required to vacate the spectrum held by them within six months’ time from the date of issue of this notice,” the telecom department said in the notice dated March 27. A copy of this was seen by ET.
“They may like to migrate to other frequency bands presently being used to providing internet services and apply to the WPC (wireless planning and commission) accordingly, which may be considered subject to availability and as per existing procedure,” the notice added.
No new assignments will be made in the 3300-3400 MHz band, and existing licenses will not be renewed further, the notice adds. Presently, the wireless operating license holders including carriers, internet service providers and oil PSUs may use the airwaves in this band for internet services over WiMax, an industry insider said.
A Bharti Airtel spokesperson said that the company has already surrendered airwaves in this spectrum band, while RCom said that the company has already shut down services, therefore the notice does not apply to them.
Tata Communications and Aircel did not respond to queries as of press time. Aircel has filed for bankruptcy on February 28 under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code in the National Company Law Tribunal.
The government has asked the telecom regulator to give its recommendations on the reserve price of airwaves in various bands including 3300-3400 Mhz and 3500-3600 Mhz, that are being considered for offering 5G services. Besides reserve price, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) will also give its views on the rights to use spectrum, the quantum of spectrum that will be put up for auction within a band and overall, and other associated conditions.
While the regulator began the process of consultations on the next round of spectrum auctions early last year, it is yet to bring out recommendations.
India's mobile phone operators have, however, said they don't want an immediate sale, including those of 5G airwaves, due to the dire state of industry finances and want the auctions to be held in the next financial year starting April 2019.
The government though has underlined its intention of bringing 5G to India at par with global timelines, or in 2020, having lagged the world in 3G and 4G.