DoT to vacate some broadcasting, satellite spectrum for 5G, 6G

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) plans to vacate more spectrum in the mid-band worth over ₹1 lakh crore from incumbent broadcasting or satellite users in the coming three years and auction it for 5G or 6G use.

Officials aware of the details told ET that the department wants to shift the incumbent users, which are predominantly broadcasting firms, from the 3,670-4,000 MHz band to the 4,000-4,200 MHz band.

"Going forward telcos will require more frequency in mid-band once 5G gets traction and later for 6G. Many countries including the US have already allocated spectrum till 4,200 MHz for 5G," an official said. "We will see how much more spectrum can be made available for 5G/6G."


Another official said that the existing satellite TV reception users can be accommodated in the 4,000-4,200 MHz band and the rest of the spectrum in that band can be used for 5G and later for 6G.

The Wireless Planning Coordination wing of the DoT is working on freeing the mid-band spectrum and identifying more bands for international mobile telecommunications (IMT) usage.

Mid-band spectrum is considered ideal for 5G services because it can carry loads of data and also travel long distances.