Spectrum worth ₹5.45 lakh cr may be freed for 5G-6G
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is looking to unlock about ₹5.45 lakh crore worth of spectrum for 5G and 6G needs through refarming or repurposing of existing frequencies, particularly in the mid-band or 3-6 GHz range, said officials familiar with the matter.
«We are looking to make available additional spectrum for mobile use in the coming five years,» said one of the officials, who did not wish to be identified.
The DoT believes there is a need to provide more airwaves, especially in mid-band, for upgradation of 5G technology and introduction of 6G, which is expected to be launched by 2030. Most of the spectrum is currently being utilised by domestic legacy users such as defence forces and satellites, which may be shifted to different frequencies.
The Union cabinet on Thursday approved setting up of a committee of secretaries (CoS) to work on refarming of spectrum. The panel will comprise various departmental secretaries and senior officers of the DoT. The chairman of the CoS can also take assistance from external experts if required, officials said.
«The plan is that the CoS shall present its recommendations to the cabinet by the end of this year,» said a second official. «As per estimates, a quantum of 1.3 GHz of spectrum could be refarmed from such domestic users. At current reserve prices, it could be worth around ₹5.45 lakh crore,»
The cabinet on Thursday cleared the next round of spectrum sales in which airwaves worth ₹96,317.65 crore will be auctioned. The auction is likely to get a muted
