The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended the allocation of 5 MHz spectrum in the prime 700 MHz band to Indian Railways. The remaining 30 MHz in 700 MHz band may be put up for bidding in the upcoming spectrum auction.
The recommendation focuses on the captive use of spectrum in areas such as passenger information display system and live feed of video surveillance and other public safety services requirements. Further, as per the regulator, spectrum would not be used to offer any commercial services such as Wi-Fi onboard.
As per the regulator, efficient and timely utilisation of spectrum is to be ensured through a process of periodical monitoring. Further, the 1.6 MHz spectrum which is already assigned to Indian Railways in 900 MHz band may be taken back upon migration to LTE-based network.
TRAI suggested that spectrum charges to be levied on formula basis as prescribed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for royalty charges and licence fee for captive use.
