TRAI proposes spectrum assignment framework for E&V Bands, MWA, and MWB

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today released a Consultation Paper on “Assignment of Spectrum in E&V Bands, and Spectrum for Microwave Access (MWA) & Microwave Backbone (MWB)”.

Department of Telecommunications (DoT), through its letter dated 12.08.2022, requested TRAI to provide recommendations under the terms of clause 11(1)(a) of TRAI Act, 1997 as amended by TRAI Act, 2000 on the following:

• Applicable reserve price, band plan, block size, quantum of spectrum, duration of assignment, scope of services/ usages, spectrum cap, payment terms, eligibility condition, methodology of auction and other associated conditions for auction of E band spectrum for establishment of terrestrial and/ or satellite based telecom networks;
• Applicable reserve price, band plan, block size, quantum of spectrum, duration of assignment, scope of services/ usages, spectrum cap, payment terms, eligibility condition, methodology of auction and other associated conditions for auction of V band spectrum for establishment of terrestrial and/ or satellite based telecom networks;
• Quantum of spectrum to be earmarked for non-commercial/ captive/ isolated use in E and V bands; and methodology of assignment, where auction is not feasible and pricing for the same;
• Feasibility, including technical parameters, for allowing low power, indoor, consumer device-to-consumer device usage on license-exempt basis, in parallel to use of the auction-acquired spectrum by telecom service providers for establishment of terrestrial and/ or satellite based telecom network, in part or full V band;
• A fresh recommendation on allocation methodology, quantum and pricing of MWA and MWB RF carriers in 6/ 7/ 13/ 15/ 18/ 21 GHz bands, for establishment of terrestrial and/ or satellite based telecom networks as well as for non-commercial/ captive/ isolated use;
• Provide any other recommendations deemed fit for the purpose mentioned under (a) to € above in these frequency bands, including the regulatory/ technical requirements as enunciated in the relevant provisions of the latest ITU-R Radio Regulations.

In this regard, a consultation paper on ‘Assignment of Spectrum in E&V Bands, and Spectrum for Microwave Access (MWA) & Microwave Backbone (MWB)’, seeking inputs from stakeholders has been placed on the TRAI’s website (www.trai.gov.in). In this consultation paper, specific issues have been raised for soliciting comments of stakeholders. Written comments on the issues raised in the consultation paper are invited from stakeholders by 25th October 2023 and counter-comments by 8th November 2023.
BCS Bureau