The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has reportedly written to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) requesting to conduct 5G trials at the earliest. Besides, telcos have also requested for spectrum to be granted for minimum one year.
In addition, telecom operators have also sought import duty waiver on the 5G trial equipment. Further, they have requested for flexibility to conduct trials in any location within the circle as per allocated spectrum.
According to telcos, no equipment/application vendor should be restricted for conducting the lab trial and operators should have the flexibility to conduct trials for Make in India solutions with minimum to no requirement of submitting documents to the DoT.
In this regard, COAI has stated that the 5G trial applications were submitted by the telecom service providers in January 2020. However, till date, the approvals for progressing, instructions for conduct for these trials have not been made clear and there is no set date for commencement of these trials.
