DoT seeks TRAI view on auction of E and V bands

New Delhi: Amid the tussle between telecom players and internet firms over auction of E and V bands, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has again sought suggestions of sector regulator the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) despite the regulator recommending the allocation of E and V bands without auction.

Speaking at a Broadband India Forum event, DoT member (Technology) A K Tiwari said that in future the government is going to auction millimeter wave falling in the frequency range of 37-42.5 megahertz spectrum band, E and V bands.

"We have sent reference for auction of E and V bands but that will be for backhaul," Tiwari said.

Radiowaves in E band, which falls in 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz, and V band, that is 57-64 GHz, can transmit data at very high speeds, and the method of spectrum allotment in these bands has been a subject matter of much debate in the sector, and also within government circles in the past.

Telecom players and internet firms have been at loggerheads over auction of E and V bands.

While telecom operators have favoured the auction of spectrum in these bands, bodies representing internet firms have opposed it. The telecom regulator Trai in a recommendation has suggested to allocate E and V without auction.

Tiwari said that the 5G services are expected to be launched in the country within 45-50 days.