Trai starts process of setting base prices of 10 spectrum bands for 5G services
The telecom regulator has kicked off the process of setting base prices of 10 spectrum bands earmarked by the government for 5G services.
These include the 600 Mhz and the millimetre wave frequencies, to be auctioned in April-May next year.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has sought views from stakeholders by December 28, and counter-comments by January 11, on issues including the applicable reserve price, band plan, block size, quantum of spectrum to be auction of spectrum.
It will then hold open house discussions and recommend starting prices to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), following which the Union cabinet will take a final call on auction rates.
The industry has repeatedly sought low base prices for 5G spectrum.
Saying that spectrum unsold amounts to spectrum wasted, Trai has called for views on whether a methodology followed elsewhere globally could be used to value the precious airwaves.