On February 4, 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India TRAI, released recommendations on frequency spectrum in the ranges of 37-37.5 GHz, 37.5-40 GHz, and 42.5-43.5 GHz, identified for IMT technology.
This initiative originated from a request by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on August 2, 2023, which sought recommendations on reservation prices, band plans, block sizes and associated conditions for auctioning of spectrum in various bands, including the above-mentioned ones.
TRAI had earlier reiterated its recommendation of April 11, 2022, on the existing bands, suggesting that all available spectrum should be auctioned under the same conditions.
Subsequently, a consultation process was initiated for the mentioned new bands, resulting in a consultative document published on April 4, 2024. This document received comments from several stakeholders and an open discussion was held in July 2024.
The final recommendations state that spectrum in the 37-37.5 GHz and 37.5-40 GHz ranges should be auctioned in the next tender, while the 42.5-43.5 GHz range will not be auctioned due to the lack of a suitable ecosystem for devices in that frequency. It is suggested to adopt the n260 band plan with TDD duplex configuration for the 37-40 GHz range, with a proposed block size of 100 MHz and a validity period of 20 years.
The recent publication of recommendations on spectrum in the 37-37.5 GHz and 37.5-40 GHz bands has a high impact on the telecom sector and, by extension, on the digital economy of the country.
This is because the availability of this spectrum will allow service providers to establish advanced communication networks, characterized by high capacity and low latency, which is essential for the development of emerging technologies such as 5G and applications related to the Internet of Things (IoT).
The direct impact is on Telecom Providers, Consumers, Business Sector.
These recommendations not only affect the direct players in the telecom market, but also have significant implications for technological innovation and economic growth in India.
Regulatory Impact:
Top Priority: Yes Type of Certificate: No Spectrum Bands: Yes Import Changes HS Codes: No Standard Changes: Yes Product Changes: No Label Changes: No
Regulatory Impact
| Impact Type | Status |
|---|---|
| Top Priority | |
| Type Certificate | |
| Spectrum Bands | |
| Import Changes (HS Codes) | |
| Standard Changes | |
| Product Changes | |
| Label Changes |