Reliance Jio and other networks are involved in conducting 5G network trials in India. Despite this, as per the reports from ET, the telecom networks have received a six-month extension from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to conduct 5G trials till May 2022. Besides, this progress will stimulate the 5G spectrum auctions to the second half of 2022.
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5G Spectrum Auction Delayed
Telecom networks initially had a permit to conclude 5G network trials on November 26. But now, the companies are asked to push the trials till May 2022. It is all due to the lack of readiness of the 5G ecosystem partners. Adding to this, it also means that now 5G spectrum sales will not happen in Q1 of 2022. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is yet to begin consultations for suggesting base prices and quantity of airwave bands including the 700 MHz, 3.3 -3.6GHz and the millimeter wave.
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India’s Ministry of Defence currently holds some spectrum in the 3300-3400MHz band, while the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) holds spectrum in the 3400-3425MHz band. The industry is hoping that Trai cuts the starting price of the 3300-3600MHz and 700MHz bands. It will put forward new base rates for the other fresh 5G bands. The price fixed by the telecom regulator for the 100MHz 5G spectrum in the 3.3-3.6GHz band that is the average size needed to use the 5G technology would be at Rs 50,000 crore.
All three top telecom operators Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea have formed various partnerships and strategic collaborations to develop consumer and enterprise use cases. However, Jio is testing its own 5G RAN and Core technologies. Airtel and Vodafone Idea have also collaborated with Nokia and Ericsson to use 5G trial networks in various cities.
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