DoT may ask Trai to take a call on backhaul spectrum based on usage
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) believes that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) should examine the issue of backhaul spectrum holistically, particularly due to technology advancements such as 5G and 6G, said officials.
While historically, backhaul airwaves were given administratively, or without auctioning, telecom operator Reliance Jio says such bandwidth can also be used for access, or mobility services, and hence should be auctioned, a point opposed by rivals Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea.
Satcom players such as Elon Musk-owned Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper want the same spectrum to be offered administratively, on a non-exclusive basis, for meeting their connectivity needs.
While the Telecommunications Act mandates that radio backhaul spectrum be given administratively, the frequencies fall under its ambit need to be identified and defined. As per the Trai Act, 'radio backhaul' refers to the use of radio frequency only to interconnect telecom equipment other than customer devices in telecommunication networks. In September last year, Trai came out with a consultation paper on assignment of backhaul spectrum, including frequencies in E and V bands. The paper listed out options including auction for the assignment of frequencies. But in the wake of the new Telecommunications Act, the regulator sought clarity from the DoT.
As per officials aware of the details, it is yet to be established which spectrum can be used entirely for backhaul purpose or whether there be mixed use. The
