TRAI releases Recommendationson ‘the Frequency Spectrum in 37-37.5 GHz, 37.5-40 GHz, and 42.5-43.5 GHz bands Identified for IMT’

TRAI issued a consultation paper on ‘Auction of Frequency Spectrum in 37-37.5 GHz, 37.5-40 GHz, and 42.5-43.5 GHz bands Identified for IMT’dated 04.04.2024 for seeking comments and counter comments of stakeholders. In response, 12 stakeholders submitted comments, and four stakeholders furnished counter-comments. An Open House Discussion on the consultation paper was held through virtual mode on 10.07.2024.

Based on the comments received from stakeholders during the consultation process, and on its own analysis, TRAI has finalized Recommendationson ‘the Frequency Spectrum in 37-37.5 GHz, 37.5-40 GHz, and 42.5-43.5 GHz bands Identified for IMT’. Salient points of these recommendations are given below:

1. The frequency spectrum in 37-37.5 GHz and 37.5-40 GHz frequency ranges should be put to auction in the forthcoming spectrum auction.
2. Owing to the non-availability of the device ecosystem in 42.5-43.5 GHz frequency range, it will be prudent that the frequency range 42.5-43.5 GHz is not put to auction in the forthcoming spectrum auction. DoT may send a separate reference for seeking the Authority’s recommendations for 42.5-43.5 GHz frequency range for IMT at an appropriate time.
3. The Band plan n260 with TDD-based duplexing configuration should be adopted for 37-40 GHz frequency range.
4. The frequency spectrum in the band n260 (37-40 GHz) should be auctioned with a block size of 100 MHz on LSA (Telecom Circle/ Metro) basis with a validity period of 20 years.
5. The spectrum cap for the frequency band n260 (37-40 GHz) should be kept as 40% of the total spectrumput to auction and it should not be clubbed with 26 GHz band for the purpose of spectrum cap.
   The minimum roll-out obligations for the band n260 (37-40 GHz) should be similar to that prescribed in the NIA, 2024for 26 GHz band, and minimum roll-out obligations should be equally applicable for all telecom service providers i.e. existing as well as the new telecom service providers.
6. In addition to the access service providers, Internet service providers (Category ‘A’ and Category ‘B’), and M2M service providers (Category ‘A’ and Category ‘B’)under the Unified License, should also be permitted to participate in the auction of spectrum for frequency band n260 (37-40 GHz).