In its response to a consultation paper titled ‘Digital Transformation through 5G Ecosystem’ by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Reliance Jio has suggested that the government should devise a policy to shut down 2G and 3G networks to ensure that unnecessary network costs can be avoided, and all customers can be migrated to newer 4G and 5G networks. In addition, Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi), too, has recommended that 2G customers should be upgraded to 4G/5G-era so that they can enjoy the latest digital services.
However, Jio does not have a 2G network, while Bharti Airtel and Vi have a significant footprint of 2G networks.
Vi pointed out that the inability of users to switch to smartphones on account of the cost of these devices also leads to the users continuing on older technology and being unable to use digital services and ending up being not updated on latest digital technologies and services.
Jio further stated that the allocation of spectrum is critical for the development of the 5G use cases ecosystem in India, and TRAI should plan to auction the 6GHz band, full C-band, and the 28GHz band (on a flexible use basis), in addition to all the already auctioned airwaves and plans to auction E-band and V-band.
Furthermore, Jio said all International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT mobility services)-identified and IMT targeted spectrum should be made available to telecom operators.
