By Aashima Sodi
Do you have a 5G smartphone and you are eagerly waiting to use 5G network to unleash its full capacity? Your wait seems to be over. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has confirmed that 5G services will be launched in India this year. The DoT has also revealed that the 5G services will be made available in 13 Indian cities in the beginning. Gradually It will be deployed in the remaining cities.
Jio, Airtel & Vi are expected to launch 5G services in 2022. The only thing all of the nation is waiting for is the spectrum auctions to take place. The government hasn’t announced a fixed date for the auctions, so there’s still no clarity on that.
As per the sources, the state-run telecom operator, BSNL will launch 5G in 2023. This year BSNL is completely focussing of 4G Launch.
All major network service providers Jio, Airtel, and Vi are continuously putting in their efforts to bring a network that can virtually connect everything together including machines, objects, and devices such as 5G smartphones.
5G connection will allow higher multi-Gbps speeds, lower latency, and more reliability compared to the previous-generation mobile networks.
ISPA proposes not to share 28 GHz band with telecom operators
The coveted 28 GHz spectrum with a band range from 27.5 GHz to 29.5 GHz is currently used exclusively by satellite companies but it is considered a highly efficient band for 5G services by the telecom operators.
Satellite companies have taken up the matter with Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
The telecom operators have repeatedly told DoT that unavailability of 28 GHz spectrum could jolt India’s 5G business case. Without these airwaves, 5G deployment costs would increase and make the ultra-fast wireless broadband service unaffordable in the country.
There has been no decison on this topic as its still under discussion.
5G Spectrum Auction
Allegedly Department of Telecommunications has decided not to avail E-band spectrum in the auction. Telcos will have to pay a nominal fee to the government for the E-band airwaves. This enables a faster rollout of networks and services.
The proposal for allocation of E-band spectrum will be sent to the Union Cabinet for approval shortly. Current situation of 5G in India indicates that the 5G spectrum auction is likely to be held only in the second half of 2022.
5G Launch In India
We may soon experience 5G in India.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has left it to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to take a decision on the following issues:
- The validity period of spectrum assignment. The 30-year period was one of the elements of the telecom package announced by the government. Now suggested validity is 20 years. Cabinet has to take a call on this.
- The deferment of auction in the 27.5 GHz-28.5 GHz band. Satellite companies do not want to share 28 GHz band with telecom operators.
- The quantum of spectrum that will be reserved for BSNL and MTNL.
With 5G launch we may soon see a price hike in Vi recharge plans, Airtel recharge plans and Jio recharge plans. Although, there is no confirmation from any of the network service providers regarding tariff plans hike due to 5G.
To order your favorite prepaid SIM click here
Log on to 10digi.com and get free home delivery, instant activation, premium customer support and enjoy the ease of ordering SIM at home.
