COAI
Mid-Band Spectrum: The Key to 5G Success Worldwide
The success of 5G networks heavily relies on the mid-band spectrum, which telecom operators worldwide have primarily used to deliver 5G services to consumers. While mmWave spectrum is essential for industrial applications, the mid-band is ideal for consumer-related use cases. According to an Ookla report, 72% of the 295 global operators providing 5G services utilize […]
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Budget 2024: Cost of 4G and 5G Network Rollouts Set to Rise with Customs Duty Increase
The upcoming rollouts of 4G and 5G networks are expected to become more expensive, following Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s proposal to increase the basic customs duty (BCD) on printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) from 10% to 15% in the Budget 2024-25. PCBAs are a crucial component in various telecom equipment, including mobile base stations, and […]
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COAI Urges Government to Abolish USOF Payments and Implement Further Reforms Ahead of Budget
The telecom industry body, COAI (Cellular Operators Association of India), has recommended that the government abolish the 5% USOF (Universal Service Obligation Fund) contribution rule for telcos. Alternatively, COAI suggested that the government should reduce the USOF contribution to zero until the existing corpus of Rs 80,000 crore is fully utilized. Currently, telcos pay 5% […]
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Airport 5G: DoT Calls for Enhanced In-Building Solutions
In light of ongoing security concerns, the government has temporarily barred the use of 5G services in airports. However, recognizing the critical need for uninterrupted connectivity, authorities have reportedly instructed telecom operators to deploy more in-building solutions within airport facilities. The decision to restrict 5G services at airports stems from potential interference with aircraft communication […]
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Modi 3.0: Telcos Set for 6 GHz Demand
In a fresh set of demands to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third-term National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, the telecom industry has called for the allocation of the 6 GHz frequency band, non-commercial electric power rates, and the on-ground implementation of the right of way (ROW) framework to expand telecom services in the country. “Some of […]
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Wi-Fi 6E Router Illegal Sale Ban Urged by COAI
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has urged for a ban on the “illegal sale” of Wi-Fi 6E wireless routers operating on the 6 GHz frequency band by certain e-commerce platforms and online retailers. In a letter addressed to Neeraj Mittal, Chairperson of the Digital Communications Commission & Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, […]
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Center Urged to Ensure Sustainable Telecom Industry by C-DEP
The Centre for Digital Economy Policy Research (C-DEP) emphasized the need for the government to ensure a sustainable telecom industry, particularly amidst a scenario where the average revenue per user (ARPU) remains low, sparking debates about fairness in revenue distribution. Jaijit Bhattacharya, founder & president of C-DEP, expressed concerns about the sustainability of the telecom […]
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India is Leading 6G Deployment with Early Contributions | 5G/6G Congress 2024
Beginning research and development efforts into the forthcoming generation of network standards early could position India as a global leader in the 6G revolution, as emphasized by prominent telecom operators Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. Rahul Vatts, Chief Regulatory Officer at Airtel, underscored the importance of not only focusing on 6G development but also on […]
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Indian Telcos Concerned Over Equipment Theft, Urge DoT to Block Certain Websites
Indian telecom operators are expressing discontent as incidents of active equipment theft reach unprecedented levels. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing Indian telecom operators, recently addressed a letter to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) seeking assistance. According to COAI, since October 2023, incidents of telecom equipment theft, particularly Remote Radio Units (RRUs) and […]
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DoT Ends Wireless Operating License (WOL)
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced on Tuesday the elimination of wireless operating licenses (WOL) required for establishing and maintaining telecommunications networks. This move aims to streamline the regulatory framework, expedite network deployment, and boost mobile broadband accessibility across the nation. According to a notification issued by the DoT on March 11, the necessity for […]
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