In setback for telcos, regulator sticks to stance on pricing of 5G spectrum

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has stuck to its stand on pricing for the next spectrum auctions, the first for 5G airwaves in the current year, as it believes that an auction is an open process and players other than existing licensees could also participate.

This is expected to be a setback for debt-laden telcos, which have been clamouring for lower spectrum prices.

The regulator made public its response to the government late on Monday evening after the Digital Communications Commission, the highest decision making body at the department of telecommunications, last month sought a comprehensive review of the regulator’s recommendations on upcoming spectrum auctions, including reserve prices.