Indian telcos propose year-long 5G trials
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India’s major mobile operators have both submitted proposals to conduct year-long field trials of 5G services in the market.
Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio Infocomm – along with technology partners including Cisco, Samsung, Ericsson and Nokia – have submitted detailed proposals to the Department of Telecom.
The operators are now awaiting approvals, and it is expected to take an additional initial three months to complete preparations and clearances, the Cellular Operators’ Association of India (COAI) told the publication. COAI is the industry body that represents Vodafone Idea, Airtel and Jio.
But the Department of Telecom has previously expressed a reluctance to allocate airwaves for 5G trials beyond a 90 day window, which the industry believes would be way too short of a time to conduct the required trials.
According to COAI, the industry is expected to finally reach an agreement with the DoT on the duration of the proposed allocations, as well as other issues.
The Telecommunications Regulator of India has recommended the 3.5-GHz frequency range for 5G, and aims to complete an initial 5G auction early next year.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which specific companies are involved in the 5G trial proposals?
Which specific companies are involved in the 5G trial proposals?
Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Reliance Jio Infocomm are the mobile operators. Their technology partners include Cisco, Samsung, Ericsson, and Nokia, who are all involved in the proposals submitted to the Department of Telecom.
Q.What is the main disagreement between the Department of Telecom and the industry regarding the 5G trials?
What is the main disagreement between the Department of Telecom and the industry regarding the 5G trials?
The Department of Telecom has shown reluctance to allocate airwaves for 5G trials for more than 90 days. However, the industry believes this timeframe is significantly too short to conduct the necessary trials effectively.
Q.What frequency range has been recommended for 5G, and when is the auction expected?
What frequency range has been recommended for 5G, and when is the auction expected?
The Telecommunications Regulator of India has recommended the 3.5-GHz frequency range for 5G services. An initial 5G auction is reportedly aimed for completion early next year.