Trai sticks to stance on pricing of spectrum for 5G, other bands

New Delhi: Regulator Trai on Monday stuck to its recommendation on base price and valuation of spectrum, including for 5G radiowaves, making it clear to the telecom department that it has considered “all relevant factors” while giving views on prices.

Last month, amid an industry disquiet over the pricing of spectrum, Digital Communications Commission (DCC) had decided to ask Trai to reconsider its spectrum recommendations, to ensure competition and greater participation of larger set of players in auctions slated for 2019. DCC, the apex decision-making body at the telecom department, felt that Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) should revisit its 2018 suggestions keeping in mind the government’s larger objective of digital proliferation, broadband for all and inclusive 5G services.