The Cellular Operators’ Association of India (COAI) has urged the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to reduce base prices of 5G airwaves by more than half for a successful auction.
The government is likely to auction 5G airwaves in April-May 2022 but prices have remained a contentious point.
At present, India has earmarked the 3300-3600 MHz band for 5G services. However, the current base price of Rs 4.92 billion for a unit of 5G spectrum in the 3.3 – 3.6 GHz band has been deemed too expensive by the major telecom players. The rates in countries like Italy, USA, Korea and UK is far less.
The DoT had sent a reference to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) seeking fresh prices of the 3300-3600 MHz band, as well as for newer bands which could be used for 5G in future.
TRAI, thereafter, had asked DoT to prepare a roadmap on available bands and their usage. On receiving a reply, TRAI will come out with a consultation paper on the upcoming auction, which will deal with discussion points such as band coverage, their pricing as well as quantity of airwaves to be sold in the next sale.
