The crucial 600 MHz band, which did not find any takers in the 2022 5G spectrum auctions, is now seeing interest from industries such as audio programme making and special events (PMSE) as well as broadcasting, officials said.
Amid ongoing discussions on updating the national frequency allocation plan (NFAP), the department of telecommunications (DoT) has received requests from these industries to allocate spectrum to them in absence of any use cases and auction of the band for international mobile telecommunication (IMT).
For example, US-based Shure Technologies has urged DoT to allocate spectrum in 470-694 MHz for audio PMSE. Audio PMSE industry involves use of audio equipment such as microphones, in-ear monitors, and wireless audio systems for applications like broadcasting, live events, theatre, sports events, and film production.
The spectrum in the band would allow devices to transmit high-quality sound wirelessly over short distances, avoiding interference and ensuring clear audio for performers, presenters, and audiences.
Even as the audio industry has sought spectrum as secondary allocation, telcos expressed concern over allocation of the band to the audio industry beyond 612 MHz.
In their argument to DoT, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has said the range should be kept below 612 MHz for allocation to the audio industry.
Telecom operators also asked for studies with regard to potential interference scenarios in the adjacent bands to primary services such as telecom.
Shure, however, said the radiated power output from wireless microphones is only 50 mW and the possibility of interference does not exist.
In 2022, the government had put the 600 Mhz band in the auction. However, it failed to find any bidders due to lack of device ecosystem to support the services in that band. Even the pricing of the band was Rs 3,927 crore per unit, making it one of the costliest bands in the auction.
For telecom operators, the 600 MHz band is crucial to improve wireless broadband coverage.
Lately, Qualcomm said the smartphone ecosystem is good to support enhanced telecom services in the 600 MHz band. DoT is expected to again bring in the band in the next spectrum auction.
Prasar Bharati has proposed that broadcasting spectrum in the sub-600 MHz band should not be allocated to telecom services. In a note to DoT, the public service broadcaster said the spectrum band, especially in 470-582 MHz, is used for terrestrial television (TV) broadcasting and the frequency is used by TV transmitters.
With Prasar Bharati planning to roll out new-age Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) services across India, a lack of sufficient spectrum could hinder the expansion of these services, the note said.