Government Greenlights Refarming of 687 MHz Spectrum for Telecom Sector: Jyotiraditya Scindia
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Synopsis
The Indian government has approved the refarming of 687 MHz of spectrum for telecom, enabling improved 5G services and readiness for 6G. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia noted a need for 1,100 MHz by 2030 to support the industry's growth.
Key Takeaways
- 687 MHz of spectrum approved for refarming.
- Immediate release of 320 MHz.
- Preparation for 5G and 6G services.
- Committee identifying unused spectrum.
- Telecom contributes 7% to India's GDP.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) The government has sanctioned the refarming of 687 megahertz (MHz) of spectrum for the telecom sector from various ministries, as announced by Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday. This initiative has been welcomed by industry bodies, aiming for a quicker deployment of improved 5G services throughout the nation and to gear up for the 6G era.
While addressing the Cellular Operators Association of India’s (COAI) ‘Digicom Summit’ in the capital, the minister highlighted that there exists a shortfall of 1,100 MHz of spectrum that needs resolution by 2030.
“In yesterday's cabinet meeting, we have approved the refarming of 687 MHz of spectrum. 320 MHz will be accessible immediately, some will be available by the end of next year, and the remaining by 2028–29, which will prepare us for 2030,” Scindia elaborated.
The spectrum refarming is aimed at fulfilling the telecom sector's demands for 4G, 5G, and eventually, 6G services.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has established a committee of secretaries to assess the spectrum held by various ministries, determining if it is being utilized effectively or merely stored.
According to Scindia, if the spectrum is not being effectively utilized, it should be allocated to where it is needed.
The committee is currently focused on identifying additional spectrum that could undergo refarming, and “We will ensure that there are no obstacles hindering the growth of the telecom landscape,” stated the minister.
The spectrum refarming will facilitate the rollout of enhanced 5G services nationwide, according to the COAI.
“The COAI has logically advocated that the Indian ecosystem requires 2,000 MHz of spectrum for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) services, and we are pleased to see that this requirement has been acknowledged by the Cabinet on the advice of the Communications Minister,” said Lt Gen Dr S.P. Kochhar, Director General of COAI.
“They have already allocated the spectrum that elevates our holding to 320 MHz in the initial phase, thereby leaving a deficit of approximately 400 MHz which should be addressed in the upcoming submissions by the Committee of Secretaries to the cabinet,” Kochhar added.
Scindia further emphasized that telecom is now a pivotal sector in the country’s development, contributing nearly 7 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP).
“In the future, the Indian telecom industry will be vital for global growth as well,” concluded the minister.
