Vodafone Idea on Wednesday said that auctions for 5G spectrum should not be held before 2020, as there was a need to first develop India-specific use cases for the next-generation technology.
To a query, Vodafone Idea Chief Technology Officer Vishant Vora said, “The most appropriate time to hold auctions will be sometime after 2020.”
He, however, did not comment on whether the company would participate in the auctions if they were to be held this year.
‘Not about shortage’
“The 2020 and spectrum issue is different. It is not about us running out of spectrum. We need time to develop India-specific use cases and that takes time… we are working with our vendor partners to develop those India-specific use cases,” he added.
Stating that post merger, Vodafone Idea had completed radio network integration of the two operators in nine circles covering a population of about 481 million, Mr. Vora added that full integration was “on track” and expected to be completed by June 2020.
Asked about security concerns raised globally over the use of communications equipment from Chinese vendors, Mr. Vora said that the Indian government was yet to take a position on the subject and the company would comply with the laws of the land. “Within the Indian context, the government has not taken a position, unlike some other countries. Australia, the U.S... have taken a clear position. Of course, we will follow whatever the Indian government decides and will work with the government to ensure that India’s strategic needs and security are fully looked after,” he said.
Ericsson deal
Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson on Wednesday said that it had been selected by Vodafone Idea to deploy 5G-ready equipment across select markets in India.
The equipment would be used for 4G services at present and can be upgraded to provide 5G services as per business requirements of Vodafone Idea Ltd., Ericsson said.