Centre gives nod to 5G spectrum auction

The Union Cabinet has approved the Department of Telecom’s proposal to conduct a spectrum auction for providing 5G services which will pave the way for ultra-high-speed internet and gave its nod for setting up captive 5G networks by the big tech firms.

“The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a proposal of the Department of Telecommunications to conduct a spectrum auction through which spectrum will be assigned to the successful bidders for providing 5G services to public and enterprises,” the official release said.

A total of 72097.85 MHz of spectrum with a validity period of 20 years will be put to auction to be held by the end of July 2022. The auction will be held for spectrum in various Low (600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz), Mid (3300 MHz) and High (26 GHz) frequency bands, the release said.