Broadband forum seeks lower 5G spectrum prices, change in auction design

MUMBAI: The Broadband India Forum (BIF), in a scathing attack on the spectrum auction prices, has written to the telecom department and sector regulator that the prices of 5G airwaves have to be reviewed. The industry body said failing to reduce them would lead to failed auctions where the government will lose out on substantial money .

“We believe there needs to be a drastic reduction and research shows that Indian reserve prices are 4 times more than international ones. BIF has written to DoT and Trai that these will not be successful auctions. It goes against the objectives of the nation of reaching new technologies to people who need it, ” said TV Ramachandran, president for BIF.