Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (Ashwini Vaishnaw) said on Thursday that the auction of 5G spectrum may take place around April to May next year. Vaishnaw said that although the telecommunications operator rescue measures announced in September this year marked the first batch of reforms, the government will launch a series of further reforms, “the telecommunications regulatory structure should change in the next 2-3 years.” In his speech at the “Times Now Summit 2021″, the minister stated that India’s telecommunications industry regulation must be based on the best in the world, and added: “Therefore, we will carry out a series of reforms in this area so that the global regulatory benchmark It was realized in India”.
Regarding the timetable for the 5G auction, Vaishnaw pointed out that the Indian Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (Trai), which is in charge of the auction structure, is negotiating on this matter. “I think they will submit the report from February to mid-February, which is exactly what we think, maybe at the end of February, up to March. After that, we will conduct an auction immediately,” he said. Telecommunications (DoT) had earlier hoped to hold a 5G auction before the end of this fiscal year. The Minister added that it is difficult to determine a specific timetable for the upcoming auction at this stage, as it largely depends on the time required for Trai to complete his opinions.
“However, today, our estimate is from April to May. I estimated March earlier. However, I think this needs…because the consultations are complicated and different opinions are coming…” he said. The government is keen to ensure that the auction is technology-neutral and hopes to provide a spectrum that remains consistent for many years to come. “So, 4G can be used in that area, and 5G can also be used. So, this is not just based on short-term thinking, but more like thinking based on at least 5-10 years,” he said. You may remember that DoT approached Trai to seek its advice on pricing, quantum and other modes related to radio waves in multiple frequency bands, as it prepares for 5G spectrum auctions in the coming months.
News Source : Hindustan Times
