When the leading smartphone brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme and the like started releasing 5G smartphones last year, we knew that 5G in India was going to be become a reality soon. The much awaited 5G spectrum auction was actually all set to be held last year itself. Sadly, due to the ongoing pandemic and a couple other hassles, the spectrum got delayed to 2022. Till now, we did not have a concrete date. However, that is most likely going to change now.
Also read: Airtel 5G Coming to India Very Soon: Know the Details Here
5G Spectrum Auction Date In India & More
Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has given some hint on when we can expect to see the auction being held. According to Vaishnaw, the 5G Spectrum Auction in India is most likely going to be held as early as June. Besides, he also adds that the Department of Telecom is working as per this guideline. Vaishnaw specifically said that, “We are very much as per our timeline to conduct the auction.”
Also read: 5G Rolling Out in India: Spectrum Auction Upcoming
5G network rollout in India is expected to go live sometime in 2023. Ahead of that, it is of paramount importance that the spectrum auction is held. Without the auction, there will be no foundation for the 5G network rollout to go live.
5G Rollout In India: What Else?
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended a mega spectrum auction plan of 30 years. Total valuation of this plan comes to 7.5 lakh crore for more than 1 lakh megahertz spectrum. However, if one takes 20 years into consideration instead of 30, the valuation drops to 5.07 lakh crore.
Currently, there is a bit of an issue with the 5G spectrum price in India. Telecom operators in India have shed light on how the recommended prices are higher than what one may call global standards. We are guessing that once this issue is sorted, there will be an actual date for the auction in India. Till then, let’s keep our fingers crossed on this one.
Also read: 5G Network Trials Gets Extention: 5G Spectrum Auction Delayed Till 2022
Sagnik Dasgupta
Tech enthusiast, gamer and somebody for whom music acts as a life capsule. Nothing fascinates me more than catchy headlines and John Mayer's guitar mastery.