Panel's views on 5G trial under DoT consideration

NEW DELHI: The government is currently examining the recommendations on the fifth-generation or 5G technology trials in the country, in addition to the committee views for the next auction which would be tabled before the Digital Communication Commission (DCC), a top official told ET."The 5G committee has submitted its recommendations to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on what should be the quantum, duration, and price of the spectrum for trial," the official who did not want to be quoted for the story said.Early this week, a group headed by IIT Kanpur Director professor Abhay Karandikar submitted its views on kickstarting the 5G-based field trials in India.The source privy to the matter, however, said that the panel's suggestions are bit complex in nature, and added that it has recommended one year as an initial trial duration that requires a nod every three months, and that can be further extended to a year more with nominal charges or Rs 5,000 per trial.In addition, the panel has also sought 100Mhz of spectrum in the 3300-3600Mhz range as well as 400Mhz in the millimeter wave (mmWave) band.The official also added that the department has "more or less" finalised the steps for next airwaves sales which would be placed before the DCC, the highest decision-making body of the telecom sector.On asking about worldwide concerns including the US blacklisting Chinese gear maker Huawei, the official acknowledged that the department has received a letter from the telco group, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), and added that a policy decision would be taken on the contentious issue soon.The incumbent telcos particularly Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel demanded clarity from the government on using equipment from Huawei for the 5G rollout.

from Economic Times http://bit.ly/2WcCeGi