TRAI publishes paper on auction of spectrum bands

As per a report published by a business daily, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a consultation paper on the auction of a set of spectrum bands, including 5G spectrum.  This initiative comes at a time when telecom companies are seeking relief from the government due to decline in revenues and mounting debt. 
 
The other seven bands include 60% of unsold radio waves of the last auction. In addition to providing faster speeds, 5G networks are expected to meet new uses, such as the Internet of Things (internet-connected devices), as well as broadcast-like services and lifeline communication in times of natural disaster.
 
The government is planning to auction the right-to-use of spectrums in 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 2,100 MHz, 2,300 MHz, 2,500 MHz, 3,300-3,400 MHz and 3,400-3,600 MHz bands in the next auction to be held in 2017, the paper states, which has also raised specific issues for consideration of stakeholders. These include quantum of spectrum to be auctioned, optimal block size, duplexing scheme, spectrum cap, roll-out conditions, and methods to be used for valuation and estimation of the reserve price of the spectrum.