As per industry sources, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will soon announce 5G spectrum bands necessary for rolling out 5G services.
To this end, the DoT is in discussion with the defence ministry, broadcasting ministry, and the department of space (DoS).
Since these ministries are already using sub-GHz, 600 MHz, mid, and millimeter wave bands for providing services, DoT is in consultation with them to identify which services can be shifted to other bands and made available for 5G auctions.
Initially, the DoT had identified the 3300-3600 MHz (300 MHz) frequency band for the 5G services. However, as per the recent spectrum allocation document, the government is allocating just 175 MHz (3425 -3600 MHz) for 5G.
This development follows the recent concerns raised by ISRO and the DoS over allowing the use of 3400-3425 MHz for 5G since they need this for NaVIC application.
Meanwhile, telcos are of the view that the availability of just 175 MHz for all service providers in the 3300-3600 mid-band is severely inadequate and would adversely impact the 5G rollout in the country.
