New Delhi, Sep 30 (NationPress) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has unveiled a consultation paper regarding the auction of radio frequency spectrum within the designated frequency bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT).

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is soliciting TRAI's insights on the auction process related to the specified frequency bands for IMT.

This follows DoT's inquiry dated 02.08.2023 about auctioning the RF spectrum across bands including 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz, 26 GHz, and the 37-37.5 GHz, 37.5-40 GHz, and 42.5-43.5 GHz ranges. TRAI had provided its recommendations on 01.09.2023.

As a result of these recommendations, the government initiated an auction of spectrum in bands such as 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz, and 26 GHz in June 2024.

It’s noteworthy that the 600 MHz band was excluded from the auction due to its lack of sales in the 2022 auction, an underdeveloped equipment ecosystem, and limited international deployment.

Moreover, the ITU Radio Regulations have not recognized this band at either the regional or global levels for IMT, prompting DoT to seek new recommendations from TRAI before considering it for auction, as stated by the Ministry of Communications.

Currently, from the total 700 MHz spectrum in the 6425-7125 MHz range, only 400 MHz is available for immediate auction in two fragmented segments: 6425-6725 MHz (300 MHz) and 7025-7125 MHz (100 MHz). The remaining 300 MHz in the 6725-7025 MHz range will be accessible by December 2030.

Given these circumstances, the timing for auctioning the 6 GHz band needs careful consideration, taking into account the less developed ecosystem and the fragmented nature of the available spectrum.

In total, 687 MHz of spectrum is slated for re-farming for IMT services. The DoT has also outlined the quantum of spectrum available with the government in both existing and new IMT bands through its reference.