Ahead of spectrum auction, telcos seek clarity on 5G

As the government gears up to conduct the next round of spectrum auction, telecom firms have sought clarity if 5G can be launched on the airwaves bought through this sale. Though spectrum assigned through auction is technology-neutral as also the unified licence, the omission of 5G in the notice inviting application (NIA) issued by Department of Telecommunications (DoT) led some telcos to seek a clarification on Tuesday.

Moreover, the NIA has specifically said that operators wanting to use new technology have to seek prior clearance.