The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has recently released guidelines for 5G trials across all available spectrum bands. It’s expected to allocate up to 400 MHz of radio waves for these trials. This initiative is part of the department’s effort to further technological advancement in the field of communication. The formulated guidelines cover multiple aspects including the uniform fee, time period for the license, and the procedures for application and approval.
Guidelines for 5G Trials and Trial Licenses
According to the newly issued guidelines, a uniform fee of Rs 5,000 will be charged for the trial license. Depending on the purpose, the trial license can span between three months to two years. Various Indian entities such as those engaged in research and development (R&D), manufacturing, telecom operators, and academia may apply for the license which can last for up to two years.
The DoT has made it clear that they are obliged to grant permits for the trials within a time period ranging between four to eight weeks. Application for trials can be sent by applicants if there is no response from the DoT within the stated timeframe. Furthermore, if the applicants don’t receive any reply within two weeks after the notice, the application will be considered approved.
Potential Concerns Surrounding the Trial
Despite the forward approach of the DoT, some concerns have been expressed by international entities. Fitch, a Global rating agency, expressed concerns that the expensive spectrum and the limited business case for 5G may discourage telcos like Airtel and Vodafone Idea from participating in the spectrum auctions.
| Concerns | Description |
|---|---|
| Commercial viability | 5G may have limited commercial viability in the short term as 4G penetration is still low in India. |
| Appealing Content or Applications | There is a lack of appealing content or applications that can’t be addressed by 4G speeds. |
| Intra-city fibre infrastructure | Indian telecom companies lack extensive intra-city fibre infrastructure which is critical for a seamless 5G experience. |
Safety and Commercial Rollout of 5G Technology
Considering the listed concerns, it is crucial for the government to conduct comprehensive studies before the commercial rollout of 5G technology. This would ensure not just the viability of the new technology but also the safety of the people. The journey towards a 5G network calls for cautious measures while proceeding with this major technological upgrade. This information reported was provided by Business Standard.