New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Wednesday (June 15) invited applications for the auction of 5G spectrum, which is now seen as the first step towards the introduction of next-generation technology in India. In a recently released notice, the DoT has laid down the eligibility criteria for 5G spectrum auction, that is, Multiple Rounds of Ascending (SMRA) e-auction. As per the latest notification from the department, the spectrum will be provided for a total period of 20 years. DoT will auction a total of 72097.85 MHz spectrum.
“On behalf of the President of India, applications are invited from potential bidders fulfilling the eligibility criteria to participate in the auction. Based on the applications, the Government will pre-qualify those applicants who wish to participate in the auction. fulfill the eligibility criteria,” DoT said in its notice. (ALSO READ: Shark Tank India judge Ashneer Grover hints at new venture on 40th birthday, says it’s time for third unicorn)
The DoT said all spectrum available in the 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz and 26 GHz bands are part of the auction. The spectrum allotted through this auction can be used for 5G (IMT-2020) or any other technology within the scope of the Access Service License. (Also read: UAE bans export of Indian wheat, flour for 4 months)
Any company that has acquired spectrum through this auction can surrender it after a period of at least ten years. In addition, there will be no Spectrum Usage Charge (SUC) for the spectrum sold in the auction.
Commercial 5G in India will launch in the month of September 2022. The commercial rollout will first begin in 13 Indian cities, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Gandhinagar, Gurugram, Jamnagar, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Mumbai and Kolkata. ,
Meanwhile, DoT has suspended the requirement of bidders to submit Financial Bank Guarantee (FBG) and Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) for eligibility.
According to a report in ANI, the licensees can set up a separate captive non-public network for industries using the spectrum obtained through this auction. Also, as per reports, successful bidders will be allowed to pay in 20 equal annual installments duly protecting the NPV at an interest rate of 7.2 per cent.