DoT to Approach Trai for Auction of New Spectrum Bands This Week

The Department of Telecom (DoT) is likely to approach the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) this week to seek its recommendations on the auction of new spectrum bands. The auction is expected to be held in the March quarter of the current fiscal.

The DoT is considering auctioning spectrum in the 37 GHz band, which is being used for satellite communication services. The band is capable of supporting high-speed data transmission and is seen as a key enabler for 5G services.

The DoT is also considering auctioning spectrum that is currently held by telecom operators whose licenses are due to expire in 2024. This spectrum could be used by new entrants to the telecom market or by existing operators to expand their networks.

The DoT's decision to approach Trai for recommendations on the auction is a positive development for the telecom sector. It will help to ensure that the auction is conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

The auction of new spectrum bands is expected to boost the telecom sector and help to improve the quality of services offered to consumers. It will also help to create new jobs and opportunities in the sector.

Here are some of the key details of the proposed auction:

• The auction is expected to be held in the March quarter of the current fiscal.
• Spectrum in the 37 GHz band and spectrum held by telecom operators whose licenses are due to expire in 2024 could be auctioned.
• The DoT is seeking Trai's recommendations on the auction, including the reserve price for the spectrum.

The auction of new spectrum bands is expected to have a number of benefits, including:

• It will help to improve the quality of telecom services offered to consumers.
• It will create new jobs and opportunities in the telecom sector.
• It will boost the telecom sector and help to attract foreign investment.

The auction of new spectrum bands is a positive development for the telecom sector. It will help to ensure that the telecom sector remains competitive and that consumers continue to benefit from innovative new services.