Delay in 5G spectrum auction

New Delhi: The auction for the 5G spectrum is likely to take place around April-May next year, Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Thursday.

While relief measures announced in September this year for telecom operators marked the first set of reforms, the government will bring out a series of further reforms and "telecom regulatory structure should change in coming 2-3 years," Vaishnaw said. Speaking at the 'Times Now Summit 2021,' the minister said India's telecom sector regulation has to be benchmarked with the global best, and added that "so, we will come with a series of reforms in this, such that the global benchmark of regulations is achieved in India."

On the timeline for 5G auctions, Vaishnaw noted that the Trai, which looks at the structure of auctions, is undergoing consultations on the matter. "I think they will submit their report by February-mid is what we are thinking, maybe February-end, maximum to maximum March. Immediately after that, we will have the auctions," he said. The comment assumes significance as the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) was earlier hopeful of holding 5G auctions by the end of the current fiscal.

Giving a specific timeline for the upcoming auction will be difficult at this stage since much depends on the time Trai will take to finalise its views, the minister added. "But, today, our estimate is by April-May. I was earlier estimating March. But I think it will take because consultations are complex, diverse opinions are coming," he said. The government is keen to ensure that auctions are technology-neutral and wants to give a spectrum that is consistent for many years to come.

"So, 4G can be used in that, 5G can be used. Hence that's the thinking based on not just short term but more like thinking at least 5-10 years ahead," he added.