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“It is for the DoT to decide whether frequency range 27.5-28.5 GHz is to be allocated\/auctioned for IMT\/5G,” Trai in its response said.
On April 29th, the department’s highest-decision making body Digital Communications Commission<\/a> (DCC) sought views from the sector regulator on the 28 GHz band sought by space broadband companies to allocate administratively.
Recently, Saudi Arabian regulator Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) decided to auction non-terrestrial spectrum in August as a part of Its outlook for commercial and innovative use of spectrum, citing that space systems represent AN evolution of wireless technologies.
However, Trai in its recommendations last month said that both terrestrial networks and satellite services can co-exist in the 28 GHz band with protection measures so that airwaves can be optimally utilised.
\"Coexistence of Satellite Earth Station Gateway (Earth to Space) with International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) has also been recommended in 27.5-28.5 GHz frequency range,\" the watchdog reiterated.
Recently, a Delhi-based satellite communication (Satcom) group sought government's intervention against identifying 28 GHz band for next generation services - a controversial view that pitted space broadband players against telecom service providers.
Experts believe that any move against auction may be a loss to national exchequer and would also end up leaving spectrum largely unused.
Trai further noted that it has already recommended that the entire available spectrum should be put to sale in the forthcoming auction.
Further, the watchdog said that any additional spectrum that may become available before the forthcoming auction, should also go under the hammer.
The regulator defended its move saying that it had asked for information on spectrum requirements for space applications and since it was taking time, and in order to avoid any delay in rollout of 5G, it has decided to auction 24.25-28.5 GHZ for 5G services.
Trai said that in 600 MHz (APT 600 Option B1), 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300-3670 MHz and 24.25-28.5 GHz spectrum bands, the entire available spectrum should be put to auction planned in June this year.