The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) has asked the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to review its 2022 decision and allow telecom carriers to expand mobile networks at India’s airports to boost connectivity for businesses and consumers.
In a letter to Dr Neeraj Mittal, secretary (T), DoT, dated June 25, 2024, GSMA stated 5G assignments in India in 3.5 GHz have already provided for a 530 MHz guard band between mobile systems and radio altimeters, which is larger than that adopted in other countries.
The development comes at a time when Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have been aggressively rolling out next generation (5G) networks barring airports.
The letter stated that there is a spectral separation of at least 530 MHz between the 5G base stations authorised to operate in India and the radio altimeters operating in the frequency range 4200- 4400 MHz. It further added that multiple tests carried out already could not find any interference in aviation operations anywhere in the world. In addition, it noted that the safe operation of altimeters is critical, and the international mobile community is working closely with the aviation community to address any concerns.
