The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has established a committee tasked with the review and revision of the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) – 2022. Serving as a pivotal document, the NFAP delineates the allocation of spectrum and its utilization across various sectors. This committee, approved by the competent authority, operates under the leadership of the Wireless Adviser to the government of India.
Comprising three distinct working groups, the committee’s structure is as follows:
Working Group 1: Focused on frequency bands up to 1 GHz (inclusive).
Working Group 2: Dedicated to frequency bands ranging from 1 GHz to 6 GHz.
Working Group 3: Specifically addressing frequency bands beyond 6 GHz.
The chairmanship of each working group will be appointed by the Committee Chairman. Guided by decisions made during the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023, the committee undertakes the review and revision of the NFAP 2022. Additionally, it considers national demand and the evolving spectrum requirements across industries to ensure the NFAP remains up-to-date.
Moreover, the committee welcomes proposals from industry stakeholders, incorporating their input into the review and revision process of the NFAP 2022.
Next Spectrum Auction in India
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced that the upcoming spectrum auction in India is scheduled for May 20, 2024. Telcos will have the opportunity to bid for spectrum across various bands, including 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3500 MHz, and 26 GHz. Notably absent from this auction is the 700 MHz band, reflecting diminished interest from telcos in its utilization.
Expectations suggest that Indian telcos will participate conservatively, primarily bidding for airwaves in regions where their existing spectrum is nearing expiration. Vodafone Idea (Vi), for instance, has opted to surrender some expiring spectrum to the DoT as part of a strategic cost-cutting initiative while ensuring continued optimal service delivery to customers.
