DoT body refers back key 5G spectrum, pricing recommendations to Trai

Telcos have been unhappy that the base price fixed by the regulator for a period of 30 years is virtually the same as what they had recommended in 2018 at Rs 492 crore for a pan-India 1Mhz spectrum.

The Digital Communications Commission (DCC), which met Friday, is sending a reference back on key recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 5G spectrum and pricing as part of its move to hasten the process of auctioning. Sources say the regulator is expected to respond to the queries within a week or two and a reference already being worked on by DoT could be sent today, or by Monday.  

Speed is critical as the government has made it clear that it wants to begin the auction in June. Sources say Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to