DoT seeks TRAI’s instructions on E and V band auction, official confirms

DoT Seeks TRAI Suggestions on Auction of E and V Bands, Confirms Official

The Department of Telecom (DoT) has sought instructions from sector regulator TRAI regarding the auction of E and V bands, a senior government official said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the Broadband India Forum event, DoT Member (Technology) AK Tiwari said that in future the government will auction millimeter wave falling in the frequency range of 37-42.5 MHz spectrum band, E and V bands.

“We have sent a reference for the auction of E and V band but it will be for backhaul,” Tiwari said.

Radio waves in the E band, which falls between 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz, and the V band, i.e. 57-64 GHz, can transmit data at very high speeds, and the method of spectrum allocation in these bands is a topic. This has been a hot topic in government circles and in the past as well.

Telecom companies and Internet companies have been embroiled in controversy over the auction of E and V bands.

Telecom operators have favored the auction of spectrum in this band, while organizations representing internet companies have opposed it.

Telecom regulator TRAI in a recommendation has suggested allocation of E and V without auction.

Tiwari said that 5G services are expected to be rolled out in the country in 45-50 days.

Meanwhile, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has received around Rs. Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Adani Data Networks and Vodafone Idea won Rs 17,876 crore for spectrum in the recent auction. While all the telecom operators have opted to pay in 20 annual installations, Bharti Airtel will pay Rs. 8,312.4 crore equivalent to four annual installations.

Reliance Jio Rs. 7,864.78 crore, Vodafone Idea Rs. 1,679.98 crore and Adani Data Network Rs. 18.94 crores.


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