India’s Department of Telecom (DoT) has reportedly given the all clear for 5G spectrum trials, moving the country one step closer to rolling out 5G nationwide. The DoT is considering allocating 5G spectrum to telecom companies in the next couple of weeks, sources revealed to the media on Wednesday.
Breaking: Deck cleared for 5G spectrum Trials. DoT mulls allocation of 5G spectrum for trials in 1-2 Weeks. DoT held a meeting with Telecom Companies on 5G trials on Monday @CNBC_Awaaz
— Aseem Manchanda (@aseemmanchanda) February 17, 2021
Last week, the DoT received flak from a special parliamentary panel on IT led by Congressman Shashi Tharoor, which said India will miss many 5G opportunities unless rapid action is taken to roll out the new technology.
India's 600-million-strong population is largely below the age of 50 and internet savvy – many are clamouring for the government to upgrade the country's networks from 4G to 5G as a result.
Indian telcos like Vodafone-Idea and Airtel have also been signing deals with non-Chinese players like Finland’s Nokia to supply them with 5G-favouring equipment.
Keeping in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “self reliant India” vision, Reliance Jio – headed by billionaire Mukesh Ambani – has been working on developing its own indigenous 5G ecosystem without help from foreign players.
Earlier in January this year, India also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japan to boost cooperation on the development of advanced tech sectors, including 5G.
The DoT has told Tharoor’s 31-member IT panel that India can expect 5G by next year.
