The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper titled “Assignment of Additional Spectrum to Indian Railways (IR) for its Safety and Security Applications.”
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) through its letter dated July 26, 2023 had informed TRAI that IR has requested for an additional 5 MHz of paired spectrum in the 700 MHz band to be allocated for enhancing its safety and security systems.
TRAI has sought stakeholder recommendations on various issues raised in the consultation paper. Some of the key issues include:
- Whether an additional 5 MHz (paired) spectrum in the 700 MHz band should be assigned to IR in order to meet its requirement for safety and security applications
- While providing the recommendations, TRAI may also consider the possibility of sharing of the spectrum between IR/National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)/Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)/metro and other similar networks to ensure the efficient utilisation of spectrum.
- Considering the different spectrum valuation methodology as recommended by TRAl for the 5 MHz of paired spectrum in the 700 MHz band, assigned to IR and for NCRTC, TRAI may examine and if found necessary recommend a uniform spectrum valuation and charging methodology considering similar usages in the same spectrum band.
- Any other recommendations deemed fit for the purpose.
TRAI has invited written comments from the stakeholders on the issues for consultation by March 6, 2024, and counter comments by March 20, 2024.
