The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has released the ‘National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) – 2022’. The NFAP-2022 is a central policy roadmap that defines future spectrum usage by all bodies in the country, including DoT, the Department of Space (DoS), Defence, and Information and Broadcasting (I&B) ministries, among others. Under the document, nearly 17GHz of new additional spectrum has been released for implementing 5G in all three segments of radio spectrum – below 1 GHz, between 1-6 GHz and above 6 GHz.
The new set of policy reforms for satellite communications (satcom) services are aimed at easing the procedures and streamline clearances to expedite the rollout of satcom services across the country, especially in remote areas. Besides, DoT has delicensed 865-868 MHz spectrum band for internet of things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M), 433 – 434.7MHz and 9-30MHz for wireless charging. Also, the delicensed spectrum need not be auctioned, and can be allocated administratively, for a fee. Moreover, the document will provide the necessary information with regard to usages of frequency bands from 8.3KHz to 3000GHz, for a variety of radio services.
According to Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Communications, Electronics and Information Technology and Railways, noted that NFAP-2022 has the right balance between standardisation and innovation, and is dynamic and adaptive which will facilitate ease of doing business and promote investment in the capital intensive telecommunication sector. He further added that the document is envisaged as a tool for innovation, research and development (R&D). Further, Vaishnaw asserted that the plan has been formulated to meet the current and future needs of the ever-evolving wireless technologies, after detailed discussions with all the stakeholders.
Besides, the minister also informed that for street furniture, Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocation (SACFA) clearances will no longer be required and companies can apply on Gati Shakti Sanchar portal by paying mere Rs 100 only. Till date, SACFA’s approval was needed for the height and location of any telecom tower. Meanwhile, Vaishnaw further noted that the average time taken for right of way (RoW) clearances have come down from 227 days to only 7 days.
Additionally, Devusinh Chauhan, Minister of state for communications, said that the document allocates new frequency bands for 5G, several license exempt bands to encourage domestic R&D activities, new spectrum bands and provisions for satellite services, Wi-Fi and intelligent transport systems.
National Frequency Allocation Plan – 2022 :- https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/NFAP%202022%20Document%20for%20e-release.pdf?download=1
