It’s good news for Indian telecom users as the days of getting 5G networks on their phones are nearing. This comes after an official confirmation by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) that the auction for the 5G spectrum is due to commence on July 26th. It has released information on the timeline that DoT will follow for the auction, so read along to know more.
5G spectrum auction in India to begin soon
According to the DoT’s timeline, as agreed upon by the Union Cabinet, the 5G spectrum auctions will commence now. DoT has started inviting applications for the 5G spectrum. The last date for submission of applications is July 8. On July 12, DoT will publish ownership details of the applicants and the list of finalized bidders will be out on July 20th. There will be mock auction sessions on July 22nd and 23rd. The final auction for the 5G spectrum in India is scheduled for July 26th.
Moving forward with PM @narendramodi ji’s vision of a Digital India.
Spectrum auction announced today is an integral part of developing #BharatKa5G ecosystem. pic.twitter.com/k5JWCyAyWo— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 15, 2022
According to DoT, a total of 72GHz of 5G spectrum is up for auction. That’s 72097.85MHz to be precise. It is available in low, mid, and high-frequency bands. Telcos can get low-frequency bands ranging from 600MHz to 2300MHz while the mid-frequency goes to 3,300MHz. There’s up to 26GHz on the high-frequency band available for auction in India at the moment.
The 5G network in India will allow 10 times better speeds and capacities than the current-gen 4G technologies. The spectrum will help facilitate 5G services to individuals and businesses to create new opportunities, provide employment, create new-age businesses, and so on.
DoT has mentioned that telcos won’t have to pay everything upfront but rather divide the same into 20 annual instalments where telcos are required to pay each of their instalments at the start of the year. Moreover, those who get the spectrum can surrender it after a fixed period of 10 years with no future liabilities, allowing them to discontinue the services.
As bidders, telcos can get hands-on information and more on DoT’s NIA until June 22. All the queries will be answered by June 30th giving telcos enough time to submit their applications to participate in the auction itself.
