Decision on use of high-frequency spectrum bands for broadband likely in four to five months, says K Rajaraman

While speaking at the ITU-APT Foundation of India event, K Rajaraman, chairman, Digital Communications Commission, and secretary (telecommunications), Department of Telecommunications (DoT) said that the decision on the use of a high-frequency range for broadband is likely to be taken in four to five months. Telecom and satellite operators should look at using the same spectrum bands in coordination with each other.

Further, Rajaraman stated that with more people in India joining the digital bandwagon, the data consumption will rise and in turn pressure on the use of spectrum will also increase. He added that discussing the possibility of convergence with terrestrial networks (mobile networks) and non-terrestrial networks is important.

The DoT has sought recommendations from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on high-frequency bands, including 27.5-28.5 GHz, E (71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz) and V (57-64 GHz) bands.