A rift has emerged between telecom companies, satellite service providers and global technology firms over which frequency bands should be auctioned next by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai). Each group has written to the regulator with different suggestions for the next 5G spectrum auction.
Conflict Over Satellite vs. Mobile Use Placement
The first point of disagreement is about the L-band and S-band. Satellite companies have told the regulator that these frequencies are meant for mobile-satellite services and do not fall under Trai’s ongoing consultation paper on mobile spectrum. SIA-India, which represents satellite players, said the consultation should focus only on the bands meant for mobile networks. It also said that satellite frequencies are not put up for auction anywhere in the world and that doing so in India would affect the growth of the country’s satellite sector, especially when these bands are needed to provide smooth, interference-free services.
Satellite companies have reacted to a request made earlier by Reliance Jio. Jio had said that since the L and S bands are used worldwide for satellite-to-phone communication, it should also be considered for mobile spectrum planning and auctions. Satellite operator Nelco has disagreed and said there is no need to reopen the discussion because the Telecommunications Act 2023 already specifies that these bands should be given through administrative allocation, not auctions. Nelco has added that these frequencies are important for government use and for providing services in remote areas through non-terrestrial networks.
The 6GHz Debate
The second disagreement concerns the 6GHz band. This band is seen globally as crucial for both Wi-Fi 7 and future 6G mobile technology. Telecom companies want the entire 1200 MHz of the band to be reserved for mobile networks. They have said that a Wi-Fi-focused approach taken by the US and Europe cannot be relied upon because most homes in the country depend on mobile networks, not fixed broadband. Telecom companies have added that large blocks of mid-band spectrum are necessary to support future 6G speeds and to stay competitive with China, which has already earmarked the 6GHz band for mobile.
Technology companies have strongly disagreed on this point. In a joint submission, firms including Amazon, Apple, Broadcom, Cisco, Meta, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Intel have said the mobile ecosystem for 6GHz is not yet ready. According to them, if the band is auctioned now, much of it may remain unused.
The Broadband India Forum, which represents several tech and satellite companies, has told Trai that delaying Wi-Fi use of the band is costing the economy. It has cited studies showing an estimated daily loss of Rs 630 crore due to lack of access to this frequency for next-generation connectivity needs.
Trai will now study these submissions before finalising the list of bands for the next spectrum auction.
