The C-band still 30 MHz short

The government has decided to expand the guard band from 30 MHz to 70 MHz between IMT/5G and broadcasting services to avoid any interference in the C-band. However, it is still 30 MHz short of the broadcasters’ demand of a 100 MHz guard band.

The 5G auctions in the C-band will be held for the spectrum between 3300-3630 MHz. TRAI had recommended to DoT to put up the broadcasters’ concerns before MIB while including the 3600-3670 MHz band on the block for the auction. TRAI had, in 2018, recommended auctioning 3300-3600 MHz band for 5G services which was later increased to 3300-3670 MHz by DoT.

During the consultation process initiated by the regulator, the broadcasters had objected the addition of 70 MHz. The satellite broadcasters’ reservation was to maintain 100 MHz guard band between IMT/5G and broadcasting services to avoid any interference.

In its recommendation, the regulator had suggested that there was a need to make use of high-quality bandpass filters operating in 3700-4200 MHz range.

The I&B Ministry has taken up the matter with DoT in order to avoid any disruption between 5G and broadcasting services. BCS Bureau