Union Cabinet Approves Major Spectrum Initiatives to Boost Telecom, Rail Safety, And Future Technologies

Union minister Anurag Thakur introduced on Thursday that the cupboard has authorized a large-scale spectrum public sale throughout varied bands (800 MHz to 26 GHz), aiming to considerably enhance cell telecommunication providers and protection.

In keeping with experiences, the spectrum held by sure corporations present process insolvency is expiring in 2024 on completion of the time period and this can even be put to public sale. With a reserve value of Rs 96,317.65 crore, as beneficial by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the public sale guarantees to unlock essential sources for sooner and extra dependable cell connectivity throughout the nation.

The federal government had earlier assigned 5 MHz spectrum in 700 MHz for Indian Railways for the deployment of Kavach, an computerized practice safety system, and provisionally assigned 5 MHz spectrum in the identical band for the Nationwide Capital Area Transport Company (NCRTC).

Nevertheless, it has been determined that this 5 MHz spectrum can be assigned to a number of regional and concrete rail-based transit methods. Contemplating the extra requirement for a nationwide rollout of Kavach, an added 5 MHz in 700 MHz spectrum can be reserved for Indian Railways to enhance passenger security and operations of those transportation methods.

As per the cupboard resolution, anticipating evolving technological wants, the federal government will set up a committee headed by the cupboard secretary. This committee will discover “refarming” spectrum utilization — which means reallocating it to totally different functions based mostly on present calls for and developments. By involving representatives from varied sectors like area, broadcasting, and defence, the committee goals to optimise spectrum utilisation for future communication and technological breakthroughs.

India’s 5G rollout, the quickest globally, has already coated 740 districts with over 4.2 lakh base stations. The subscriber base exceeding 13 crore locations the nation because the second-largest 5G ecosystem. Witnessing a large enchancment in cell obtain speeds (91 Mbps), India’s world rating right here has jumped considerably from 113 (October 2022) to 22 (December 2023).

Nevertheless, constructing upon this momentum, the federal government’s initiatives purpose to additional strengthen the telecom infrastructure and put together for the following technology of applied sciences like 6G.