Vi, Airtel, Jio seek more time to conclude 5G trials

Telecom operators like Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea have asked the Department of Telecom to provide them with a one-year extension for carrying out the 5G trials in the country.

The operators were supposed to complete the 5G trials within six months (by November 2021) after getting the trial radio waves. However, they are yet to carry out trials in rural locations of the country and their permits come to an end on November 26.

The telecom companies in separate letters to DOT have cited the lack of readiness of the 5G ecosystem partners as a reason for seeking an extension of the trial time period.