The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has begun consultations with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Department of Space for making airwaves in the 3,300-3,600 MHz bands available for the upcoming 5G spectrum auctions.
Currently, 25 MHz spectrum in the 3,300-3,600 MHz band is with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and 40 MHz is with the MoD. This implies that 22 per cent of the total 300 MHz airwaves are available in the 3,300-3,600 MHz band.
According to industry sources, the spectrum with the MoD is lying idle and DoT is reportedly planning to allocate airwaves to MoD and ISRO in some other band as the 3,300-3,600 MHz band is crucial for the success of 5G auctions.
Further, it is learnt that the matter regarding airwaves for the upcoming spectrum auctions may not the go to the Union Cabinet as the DoT is trying to resolve it through inter-ministerial consultations.
