The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released its recommendations concerning the auction of frequency spectrum in the 37-37.5 GHz, 37.5-40 GHz, and 42.5-43.5 GHz bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). This follows a request from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, seeking input on auction parameters, including reserve prices, band plans, and regulatory conditions for multiple spectrum bands.
In its response dated September 1, 2023, TRAI reiterated previous recommendations for existing spectrum bands and announced the initiation of a consultation process for the newly referred bands. A consultation paper was issued on April 4, 2024, inviting stakeholder feedback, which culminated in an Open House Discussion held virtually on July 10, 2024.
Based on stakeholder input and internal analysis, TRAI has finalized its recommendations for the 37-40 GHz spectrum bands:
- Auction Inclusion: The 37-37.5 GHz and 37.5-40 GHz frequency ranges will be included in the upcoming spectrum auction.
- Exclusion of 42.5-43.5 GHz: Due to the lack of a supporting device ecosystem, the 42.5-43.5 GHz band will not be auctioned at this time. DoT may revisit this band for future recommendations.
- Band Plan: The n260 band plan with a Time Division Duplex (TDD) configuration will be adopted for the 37-40 GHz range.
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- Auction Details: The n260 band (37-40 GHz) will be auctioned in 100 MHz blocks on a Licensed Service Area (LSA) basis, with a validity period of 20 years.
- Spectrum Cap: A cap of 40% of the total auctioned spectrum will apply to the n260 band, separate from the 26 GHz band cap.
- Roll-Out Obligations: Minimum roll-out obligations for the n260 band will mirror those set for the 26 GHz band under the 2024 Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) and apply equally to all telecom service providers.
- Auction Participation: In addition to access service providers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) service providers under the Unified License (Categories ‘A’ and ‘B’) will be eligible to participate.
- Reserve Prices: The recommended reserve price per MHz for the 37-40 GHz band varies by region. Notable rates include Rs. 76 lakh for Delhi, Rs. 67 lakh for Mumbai, and Rs. 49 lakh for Andhra Pradesh.
- Payment Terms: Bidders will have the option of making an upfront payment or paying in 20 equal annual installments.
TRAI emphasized that the availability of this high-frequency spectrum will enable the deployment of high-capacity, low-latency communication networks, fostering advanced technological applications.
Source: PIB
