DoT urges space dept, defence to vacate spectrum for 5G roll-out: Report

The Department of Telecom (DoT) has urged the space department and defence ministry to vacate airwaves in the medium and high range spectrum bands for rolling out 5G services, according to sources.

The issue was discussed in a meeting of a committee formed under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba to resolve spectrum related issues, they added.

Differences among the DoT, Department of Space (DoS) and the defence ministry have led to delay in rollout of 5G services in the country.

The government had set a target to launch 5G services by 2020 but sources said the auction of spectrum can be held only in early 2021 if the issues are resolved in time.