International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) bands are globally harmonised frequencies designated for mobile broadband, enabling networks and devices to operate seamlessly across countries. In India, many of these bands are still occupied by defence, satellite, broadcasting and other critical services, limiting their availability for commercial use. With rising demand for high-capacity services such as 5G, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) must determine which bands can be repurposed or shared without affecting essential services, necessitating structured spectrum reviews and consultations.
This process began in September 2021, when DoT sought recommendations from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on reserve prices, band plans, block sizes, spectrum quantum and related conditions for auctioning IMT/5G spectrum in the 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300-3670 MHz and 24.25-28.5 GHz bands. TRAI issued its recommendations in April 2022, following which DoT conducted the July-August 2022 auction. In October 2022, the National Frequency Allocation Plan was released, aligning India’s spectrum framework with the ITU Radio Regulations, 2020.
Subsequently, DoT sought TRAI’s inputs in August 2023 on millimetre-wave bands, which led to TRAI’s recommendations in February 2025, following the June 2024 auction of multiple IMT bands. Building on this sequence, in May 2025, DoT again requested fresh recommendations on the timing and valuation of spectrum in the 600 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz and 26 GHz bands, along with the feasibility of auctions for the 6425-6725 MHz and 7025-7125 MHz ranges, and a band plan for 67 MHz of spectrum in the 1427-1518 MHz range. TRAI sought clarifications from DoT in June 2025, which were provided in August 2025. In response, TRAI released a consultation paper seeking stakeholder inputs on spectrum valuation, band plans, block sizes, auction timing and other related conditions in September 2025. An open house discussion on the consultation paper was held in December 2025 with stakeholders.
Based on the discussion, TRAI issued a recommendation paper titled “The Auction of Radio Frequency Spectrum in the Frequency Bands Identified for IMT”. Some of recommendations are mentioned below…
Auction of existing bands
Stakeholders pointed out that previous auctions saw limited participation and significant quantities of unsold spectrum, indicating a mismatch between auction design parameters and market conditions. A key issue was the quantum of spectrum being offered.
Concerns were also raised regarding pricing and financial conditions, including reserve prices and payment terms, which could further constrain participation and contribute to unsold spectrum. In addition, the availability of spectrum held by operators undergoing insolvency proceedings was flagged, as such spectrum remains unutilised and should be brought back into circulation.
In view of the above, the authority recommended that the entire available spectrum in the existing frequency bands, viz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz and 26 GHz bands, should be put to auction in the forthcoming auction. Further, DoT should initiate action to take back spectrum held by telecom service providers undergoing corporate insolvency resolution under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, and such spectrum should be put to auction.
Spectrum caps
Stakeholders pointed out that the current caps, set as a percentage of the total available spectrum, do not fully reflect how spectrum is unevenly distributed across bands. As a result, some operators hold large amounts of spectrum in certain bands, while others struggle to acquire enough contiguous blocks, affecting network efficiency. With the roll-out of 5G, the need for larger, contiguous blocks has increased, which existing caps may not fully support. At the same time, there were concerns that relaxing caps too much could lead to spectrum hoarding and reduced competition.
Accordingly, TRAI recommended that for the forthcoming auction, a spectrum cap of 35 per cent be applied on the total/combined spectrum available for access services, including spectrum assigned to private telecom service providers as well as that assigned to or reserved for public sector undertaking operators. This cap would apply across low-, mid- and high-frequency bands rounded off in line with block sizes.
Eligibility norms for auctions
Eligibility conditions raised concerns around both market access and maintaining fair competition. Stakeholders noted that existing requirements related to net worth, adjusted gross revenue dues and compliance could act as barriers, especially for financially stressed or restructuring entities. There was also a lack of clarity on how entities with outstanding dues or those under insolvency proceedings would be treated, creating uncertainty and potentially limiting participation in auctions.
In response, the authority recommended that the eligibility conditions prescribed in the Notice Inviting Applications 2024 should continue for all IMT bands, including the 37-40 GHz band. It also proposed that a certain quantum of spectrum in time division duplex-based bands be set aside for internet service providers, machine-to-machine and captive non-public networks, with DoT seeking TRAI’s recommendations on the associated terms and reserve prices.
600 MHz band
The 600 MHz band has seen slow adoption, mainly due to uncertainty around its commercial viability. While it is a valuable sub-1 GHz band with strong propagation characteristics, the ecosystem is still developing, with limited device support and deployment readiness. This has made operators cautious about investing and committing to early roll-outs.
Another concern is the financial burden of acquiring spectrum in a band where monetisation may take longer. Strict payment terms and immediate roll-out obligations could discourage participation, especially given the uncertainty around demand in the near term. There are also issues around the efficient use of the band, including the need for contiguous spectrum and suitable block sizes for better network performance. At the same time, keeping the framework consistent with existing regulations is important for ease of participation.
In view of the above, the authority recommended that the entire available spectrum in the 600 MHz band (3GPP band plan n105) be put to auction on an a Licensed Service Area (LSA) basis. The validity period has been extended to 24 years (20 years plus 4 years), with a block size of 2 x 5 MHz and a minimum of one block for bidding, while ensuring contiguous allocation.
Further, a band-specific spectrum cap of 2 x 15 MHz (35 per cent of the total spectrum) has been prescribed. Roll-out obligations will be aligned with other sub-1 GHz bands but deferred by four years. To address financial concerns, an additional payment option has been introduced, including a 5 per cent upfront payment, a four-year moratorium and deferred instalments over 19 years, while protecting the net present value of the bid amount. Eligibility conditions will remain aligned with those for existing frequency bands.
6 GHz band
Stakeholders highlighted that there is a need for a cautious approach, given the evolving global and domestic position on its use for IMT services. They stated that the band is still under international discussion, particularly regarding its future identification for mobile services, which creates uncertainty around its immediate availability and deployment. Another concern relates to existing and potential alternative uses of the band, which need to be considered before any decision on auctioning it for IMT. Stakeholders pointed out that allocating the band too early, without a clear ecosystem and global alignment, could lead to inefficient use. There was also a need to align with international developments and ensure ecosystem readiness, including device availability, interference management and coexistence with other services.
Therefore, TRAI proposed that the upper 6 GHz band be kept reserved for IMT. However, the available frequency ranges of 6425 to 6725 MHz and 7025 to 7125 MHz should not be put to auction in the forthcoming auction, and the issue may be re-examined after the outcome of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027.
1427-1518 MHz band
The discussion on the 1427-1518 MHz band focuses on issues related to band planning and allocation, especially since only part of the spectrum is available for IMT use. Stakeholders noted that a portion of the spectrum has to be reserved for government use, which reduces the amount of contiguous spectrum available for commercial deployment. This creates challenges in designing an efficient band plan and using the band effectively for IMT services. Another concern was the choice of a suitable duplexing scheme, given the nature of the band and its possible use for supplementary uplink (SUL). Stakeholders pointed out that the absence of a clear band plan could slow down ecosystem development and delay deployment.
The authority recommended that the adoption of an appropriate band plan for the 1427-1518 MHz frequency range be re-examined at the time of the auction. It also suggested that DoT engage with regional and global standardisation bodies to develop a suitable band plan for its use as SUL, and share the outcomes with the authority. Further, while allocating a 24 MHz block for government use, DoT should ensure that a contiguous 67 MHz block remains available for IMT services.
In sum
What this really points to is a shift in how spectrum auctions are being approached in India. The focus has shifted to ensuring that spectrum is actually taken up and used efficiently rather than just maximising revenues. The push to bring back idle spectrum and enable participation from newer use cases, such as private networks, also points to a broader effort to improve spectrum utilisation. However, the real test will lie in whether these changes translate into stronger participation and better price discovery in upcoming auctions. If they do, it would mark a meaningful correction in India’s spectrum policy.
Harshita Kalra
