5g Spectrum Auction

Context:

• A Committee of Secretaries (CoS) including Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Department of Space, discussed spectrum allocation among various user Ministries/Departments in the context of spectrum needs of emerging technologies/users (5G/IMT) and recommended the spectrum allocation in relevant key bands.
• Accordingly, Department of Telecommunications sent a reference to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 13.09.2021, seeking recommendations on auction of spectrum in frequency bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)/5G.

What is 5G?

• 5G is the 5th generation mobile network. 5G wireless technology is meant to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, ultra low latency, more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users.
• Unlike 4G, which requires large, high-power cell towers to radiate signals over longer distances,
• 5G wireless signals are transmitted through large numbers of small cell stations located in places like light poles or building roofs.

Status In India:

• DoT has started 5G field trials using imported as well as indigenous technology. DoT is setting up India-specific 5G use case labs in areas like education, health care, agriculture, public safety, and fintech.
• Airtel conducted the first 5G test over a commercial network. Airtel also demonstrated 1Gbps download speeds on 5G networks in trials , this one on the 3500MHz band.
• 5G is expected to create a cumulative economic impact of USD1 trillion in India by 2035, according to a report by a government-appointed panel (2018).

Source: THE HINDU.