DoT to allot E, V band spectrum through auction, not fixed fee

The telecom department is planning to allocate E and V band spectrum, which are required to connect mobile towers, through auction instead of fixed fee as suggested by the sector regulator Trai.

"The working group on microwave access and microwave backbone at the DoT is largely in favour of allocating E and V band spectrum through auction. The report of the committee will be placed before Telecom Commission in its meeting scheduled for December 21," an official source told PTI.

Data through E (71-76 Gigahertz frequency and 81-86 Ghz) and V (57-64 Ghz frequency range) band can be transmitted with speed of around 1,000 megabit per second. Spectrum in these band can ease work of telecom operator from laying optical fibre cable.

Telecom operators are required to pay huge price for laying OFC to local authorities and frequently maintain it as well. Few experts believe that these spectrum can be used for developing ecosystem for 5G services as well.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) had recommended that E-band spectrum should be charged at Rs 10,000 per annum per slot of of 250 MHz each and there should be initial promotional discount of 50 per cent for three years from the date of allocation of first carrier in this band.

For spectrum in V-band, the regulator has recommended that it should be charged at Rs 1,000 per annum per slot of 50 MHz each.