‘Lack’ of spectrum major issue before 5G rollout

New Delhi: As the stage is almost set for selective rollout of 5G (fifth generation) mobile network technology in India by 2021-end, the Telecom Ministry is facing insufficiency of spectrum with the defence and space sectors seeking nearly half of the spectrum.

Of the 300 megahertz which are available, 25 megahertz are required for certain satellite uses by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and 100 megahertz is wanted by the defence sector.

If these 125 megahertz are deducted from the available spectrum, only 175 megahertz will be available with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Telecom Ministry, to divide it among three present operators.