DoT may get 5G auction rolling by seeking a fresh base price

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is likely to set the ball rolling this week for holding 5G auctions by seeking a fresh base price from the telecom regulator for the 3300-3750 MHz as well as floor prices for other bands that can support this nextgen technology.

A senior DoT official said he expects the next auction, which will feature 5G airwaves, to be held early next year. This will enable the government to receive upfront payment in the ongoing fiscal which ends March 31, 2022.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) had in 2018 set a base price for the 3300-3750 Mhz band. But telcos had found that price too high and they hope that the DoT’s reference back to the regulator will lead to lower starting rates.