Plans afoot to reallocate some broadcasting spectrum for 5G
spectrum in the mid-band can be taken away from the broadcasting sector and allocated to telecom operators for 5G services, people in the know said. This would not only help meet the 5G needs of the telcos but would also generate revenue for the government as the airwaves would be auctioned.
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The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) is evaluating a proposal to recarve 100 MHz in the mid-band spectrum (3700-3800 MHz) and allocate it for 5G services, the people cited earlier said.
In the 2022 auction, the department of telecommunications (DoT) had put up for auction mid-band airwaves in the 3300 MHz to 3630 MHz range. From the 3630-3670 MHz range, 40 MHz spectrum has been reserved for state-run telecom operator BSNL, while 30 MHz from the 3670-3700 MHz range has been kept as guard band to prevent interference with broadcasting.
Spectrum in the 3700 MHz to 4200 MHz range is being used by the department of space (DoS) and the ministries of broadcasting, defence, civil aviation, etc.
The broadcasting sector had earlier opposed moves by the government to take away spectrum in the mid-band for 5G services, saying it would impact their operations. The DoT, however, believes that mid-band is the most suited spectrum for 5G, and additional airwaves should be made available to telcos through auction.
The DoT took the matter to the Committee of
