RJIL requests DoT to allocate microwave backbone frequency carriers in 6 and 7 GHz

Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL) has requested the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to allocate microwave backbone frequency carriers in 6 GHz and 7 GHz spectrum bands. The company is of the view that the allocation of the microwave backbone frequency will help it to meet rollout obligations, and it would also be able to offer its long-term evolution (LTE) services in the rural areas.

RJIL has stated that the rollout of its network has been severely hampered due to non-availability of microwave backbone frequency carriers. It has stated that it requires at least two microwave backbone carriers of 28 MHz paired bandwidth each in all 22 telecom circles in the 6 GHz and 7 GHz band for point to point radiowave backhaul links. RJIL holds spectrum in 1800 MHz (across 14 circles) and 2300 MHz (across 22 circles) bands.