TRAI Seeks Recommendations for Auction of Spectrum in New Frequency Ranges

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), recently released a consultation paper for the auction of spectrum in new frequency ranges. The regulatory body, upon the request of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is seeking recommendations on auctioning frequencies in the following range – 37-37.5 GHz, 37.5-40 GHz, and 42.5-43.5 GHz.

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A consultation paper titled, ‘Auction of Spectrum in 37-37.5 GHz, 37.5-40 GHz and 42.5-43.5 GHz bands Identified for IMT’, has been released by the telecom regulator. TRAI is accepting written comments on the paper from the stakeholders till May 2, 2024, and counter-comments by May 16, 2024.

These frequencies will be used by the telcos alongside other mmWave frequencies available in India to offer private network services to enterprises. It is highly unlikely that this set of frequencies will benefit the consumers directly. A total of 4000 MHz of frequencies are available in the spectrum range.

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In 37-37.5 GHz, about 500 MHz of spectrum is available in each LSA (licensed service area), 2500 MHz is available in the 37.5-40 GHz band and 1000 MHz is available in the 42.5-43.5 GHz band. These frequencies can be used for IMT services as well as by satcom (satellite communication) service providers for gateway links.

TRAI wants to understand whether the entire quantum of spectrum available in the frequency ranges should be put into auction for IMT services. Further, what should be the time range for which these frequencies should be given to the telcos via the auction? Other things such as the block size, spectrum cap, and more are being discussed in this consultation paper. Industry stakeholders can now submit their views or comments.