5G trials to start in January-March quarter this fiscal: DoT official

NEW DELHI: The 5G trials are expected to begin in the last quarter of the current fiscal, and the government has neither approved nor rejected any applicant so far, a senior telecom department official said on Tuesday. Asked if the government has taken a decision on Huawei’s participation, the official said that 12 applications have been received for 5G trials and that it has not rejected or approved any proposal so far.

“The 5G trials will start in the last quarter of the current financial year,” the official said.

Another senior government functionary said that any proposal on 5G must address twin considerations – first adoption of new technology, and imperatives of national security. The official said that 5G should not be linked to general spectrum auctions – which is expected to take place in March-April next year.