The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has urged the government to make available 6GHz mid-band spectrum to enable telecom operators to expand 5G mobile networks. It has also stated the urgent need for a fair-share data network usage policy to compel large traffic generators (LTGs) to pay telcos for using their infrastructure.
As per COAI, this crucial mid band spectrum would also be crucial to deliver the high capacity via the sixth-generation (6G) networks. It has also argued that at least 1200 MHz of spectrum needs to be allocated for mobile communications in India.
In addition, COAI has asked the government to increase the number of test labs for accelerating the process of clearing network gear to enable expeditious rollout of telecom networks. Meanwhile, COAI has sought redressal of the industry’s long-standing issues about spectrum pricing and related revenue concerns.
According to COAI, despite huge investments made by telcos for 4G and 5G roll outs, the service providers are among those with the lowest average revenue per user (ARPU) in the world. COAI also stated that as per study by CLSA, India’s spectrum costs as a proportion of annual recurring telecom revenues are much higher than key global markets such as China, Germany, the UK, Brazil, or even the neighbouring Pakistan.
COAI has also requested the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to do away with the minimum rollout obligations and give TSPs the freedom to decide the rollout strategy upon acquiring the spectrum. It also wants the government to address the issue of telecom network equipment theft expeditiously.
COAI further added that the rapid surge in data over telecom networks has put tremendous pressure on telecom networks, leading to severe service quality (QoS) issues, drastically impacting TSPs’ customer experience. It has estimated that the rise in data load on telecom networks and revenue earned by LTGs are to the tune of Rs 100 billion to the government exchequer.
Furthermore, COAI has also urged the government to write to all State Chief Secretaries to prioritise such complaints and ensure strict action on the same, coordinate with states for police protection for telecom infrastructure, especially in theft-prone areas and issue orders for blocking of websites selling active equipment.
