Latest news with #TelecommunicationsAct
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Trai seeks views on backhaul spectrum pricing in relief push for telcos, Vodafone Idea could benefit most
The telecom regulator has sought stakeholder comments to review the pricing methodology, future assignment and related terms and conditions of backhaul airwaves, a move which may reduce the financial burden of telecom operators , especially debt-ridden Vodafone Idea . The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India ( Trai ) on Wednesday sought views on microwave spectrum across several key bands — 6 GHz (lower), 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, 21 GHz, E-Band (71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz) and V-Band (57-64/66 GHz). The regulator is also looking to address the potential identification of 7GHz and 15 GHz bands for future mobile services usage. The recent decision by the government to delicense the lower frequencies in the 6GHz band has raised questions about protecting existing users in that band. Backhaul spectrum is primarily used to connect the towers, and is different from access spectrum, which the telcos buy in auction. Live Events ET was the first to report, on May 27, that the telecom regulator was considering a consultation paper on overhauling the pricing and allocation methodology of backhaul bandwidth. Further issues put forth by Trai include earmarking spectrum for fixed wireless access and non-commercial captive users, and prescribing minimum link lengths, among others. The need for fresh consultation regarding the assignment of microwave spectrum stems from significant changes in the legal framework where, under the new Telecommunications Act, 2023, backhaul waves are to be allocated administratively. For traditional microwave bands (6-21 GHz) and newer E-band and V-band usage, the regulator has sought comments on demand levels and suitable commercial services. Stakeholders have been asked to weigh in on the assignment method and determine how much spectrum should be earmarked for it. The consultation paper, released on Wednesday, has more than 50 questions, including the pricing of high-bandwidth E-band and V-band for the first time for backhaul use. The regulator also sought inputs on the feasibility of allowing low-power indoor and outdoor usage of V-band on a licence-exempt basis, parallel to licensed use. The latest stakeholder consultation from Trai will also tackle how to levy the spectrum charges and valuation for commercial backhaul in traditional bands. Currently, telcos pay 0.15% to 3.95% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR), or between Rs 4,500 and 5,550 crore annually, as spectrum charges for using backhaul carriers. The higher the number of carriers used, the more the fees paid. Experts said reviewing the pricing methodology could ease the financial burden on telecom operators, especially debt-laden Vodafone Idea which has the largest number of backhaul carriers. The regulator is also consulting on the necessity and criteria for spectrum caps on carriers, and whether existing carriers can be retained under the new policy. It has fixed June 25 as the deadline for comments and July 9 for counter-comments. The telcos want a fixed cost for backhaul spectrum and the price to be minimal as they have been paying market-determined rates for access airwaves. Traditionally, backhaul carriers had been given administratively to telcos, but the practice was stopped after the 2012 Supreme Court verdict. After that, the Department of Telecommunications started allocating backhaul carriers provisionally. But with the Telecommunications Act being implemented now, there is clarity and has led to this fresh consultation on the issue.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
TRAI begins consultation for modalities of spectrum assignment in backhaul bands
TRAI on Wednesday began the consultation process for assignment of spectrum in six bands traditionally used for microwave backhaul between towers, as well as E and V bands, as the regulator sought stakeholder views on aspects like demand, terms and conditions, and charges. The discussion paper - which typically marks the first step in a comprehensive consultation process before TRAI finalises and sends its recommendations to DoT - pertains to assignment of the microwave spectrum in lower 6 GHz, 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, 21 GHz Bands, E-Band, and V-Band. As per the industry, the E and V bands are of particular interest as it provides a high-throughput backhaul for data-heavy 5G. Put simply, a public telecommunication network consists of the access network, core network and backhaul links. The access network is the last mile connectivity to consumer devices, while core network connects the access network to global public networks. The backhaul links are used to connect the access network with the core network. "...a consultation paper on assignment of the Microwave Spectrum in 6 GHz (lower), 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, 21 GHz Bands, E-Band, and V-Band has been placed on the TRAI's website for seeking comments and counter-comments from stakeholders," the regulator said in a release. Live Events The telecom regulator has sought stakeholder views on over 50 questions - and has stipulated June 25, 2025 as deadline for comments and July 9 for counter comments. The questions include gauging the level of demand for the spectrum in the traditional microwave backhaul bands; the commercial services for which these bands should be assigned; and the method for such assignment. Other queries raised include the associated terms and conditions, validity period of assignment, and rollout obligations. The backhaul spectrum is a part of the First Schedule of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 for which the assignment method is administrative. "What should be the terms and conditions for the assignment of spectrum in traditional microwave backhaul bands for radio backhaul purposes of various commercial telecommunication services, such as - carrier size; carrier aggregation; validity period of the assignment; renewal mechanism; rollout obligations; and surrender of spectrum" TRAI asked. In select cases -- the 7125-8400 MHz range in the 7 GHz band and the 14.8-15.35 GHz range in the 15 GHz -- which are being considered for IMT (broadband mobile systems) in ITU's World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027 (WRC27), TRAI has asked whether there is a need to review the usage of 7 GHz and 15 GHz microwave backhaul bands at this stage itself, or should such a review be undertaken after considering the outcome of WRC-27. In case the decision is to earmark certain quantum of spectrum in traditional microwave backhaul bands for the last-mile connectivity ( Fixed Wireless Access ) to the customer equipment of commercial telecommunication services, TRAI asked stakeholders for their views on required quantum, eligibility criteria, and terms and conditions (block size, minimum quantity for bidding, spectrum cap, validity period of the assignment; as well as rollout and surrender). "Whether flexible use, that is, both backhaul connectivity , and last mile connectivity (fixed wireless access) to the customer equipment should be permitted in the frequency ranges earmarked for such purposes? If yes, should the terms and conditions of the auction of spectrum be the same as those applicable for the access spectrum," TRAI asked. TRAI asked if there is any need to prescribe measures to provide necessary protection to incumbent users such as Fixed Microwave (backhaul) Services, Fixed Satellite Service (FSS)operating in the 6 GHz (lower) band, given that government has now decided to delicense the 6 GHz (lower) band (5.925-6.425 GHz) for low power applications. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) also posed questions on the level of demand of the spectrum in the E-band (71-76 GHz, and 81-86 GHz) and V-band (57-64/66 GHz) for each of the service/ usage that is backhaul, access and Integrated Access & Backhaul or IAB. In another question, TRAI has asked that if the said six bands for radio backhaul of various commercial telecom services are assigned on a Point-toPoint (P2P) Link basis, or block basis, should the spectrum charges be levied as a percentage of Adjusted Gross Revenue (and if so how much) or should other mechanism be considered. "In case it is decided to assign some frequency spectrum in 6 (lower)/7/13/15/18/21 GHz spectrum bands for last mile connectivity (Fixed Wireless Access) of commercial telecom services through auction, then should the auction determined price of other bands by using spectral efficiency factor serve as a basis of valuation for the above bands," TRAI said, in one of the questions.
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
TRAI initiates discussion on assignment of microwave spectrum in lower 6 GHz, E and V Bands
New Delhi, May 28 (PTI) Telecom regulator TRAI on Wednesday floated a consultation paper on assignment of the microwave spectrum in lower 6 GHz, 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, 21 GHz bands, as well as E and V bands. TRAI has fixed June 25, 2025 as deadline for comments and July 9 for counter comments. You may be interested in "...a consultation paper on assignment of the microwave spectrum in 6 GHz (lower), 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, 21 GHz Bands, E-Band, and V-Band has been placed on the TRAI's website for seeking comments and counter-comments from stakeholders," the regulator said. In 2022, Department of Telecom (DoT) had approached TRAI to provide recommendations for assignment of spectrum in E&V bands and Microwave Access (MWA) as well as Microwave Backbone (MWB) spectrum in the said frequency bands. Post that, TRAI had released a consultation paper on assignment of spectrum in E&V bands, and Microwave Access (MWA) & Microwave Backbone (MWB) for soliciting comments of stakeholders on the subject. Meanwhile, the Telecommunication Act, 2023 was enacted in December 2023. In light of the provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 in respect of radio backhaul for telecommunication services, TRAI, via a letter in February 2024, conveyed that the telecom department may want to review its 2022 reference. "In response, DoT, through a fresh reference letter dated 13.09.2024, while agreeing to the TRAI's observation that backhaul spectrum is a part of the First Schedule of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 for which the assignment method would be administrative, requested TRAI to provide recommendations under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997," TRAI said. The aspects included demand assessment and scope of service/ usage for 57-64/ 66 GHz (V-band) and 71-76 GHz/ 81-86 GHz (E-band) and accordingly methodology of assignment of spectrum and associated terms and conditions. Other facets included spectrum charges and related terms and conditions such as spectrum cap, carrier aggregation for assignment of spectrum in the six bands for backhaul purposes of commercial telecom services. A typical public telecommunication network consists of the access network; core network; and backhaul links. The access network is the last mile connectivity to consumer devices, while core network connects the access network to global public networks. The backhaul links are used to connect the access network with the core network. In all, TRAI has put over 50 questions to stakeholders for views. These include level of demand of the spectrum in these traditional backhaul bands; the commercial services for which these bands should be assigned; and the method for such assignment. Other queries raised include the associated terms and conditions, validity period of assignment, and rollout obligations. "As the 7125-8400 MHz range in the 7 GHz band and the 14.8-15.35 GHz range in the 15 GHz band are being considered for IMT in WRC27, whether there is a need to review the usage of 7 GHz and 15 GHz microwave backhaul bands at this stage itself, or should the review be undertaken after considering the outcome of WRC-27," TRAI asked.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
TRAI seeks views on assignment of microwave spectrum in lower 6GHz, E&V-bands
NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India ( TRAI ) on Wednesday floated a consultation paper to seek stakeholders' views on the assignment of the microwave spectrum in the lower 6GHz band, 7GHz, 15GHz, 18GHz, 21GHz bands, and E & V bands. In August 2022, the Department of Telecommunications had requested the telecom regulator to provide recommendations for the assignment of spectrum in E&V bands and microwave access (MWA) and microwave backbone (MWB) spectrum in frequency bands of 6GHz/7GHz/13GHz/15GHz/18GHz/21GHz. In this regard, TRAI released a consultation paper on the assignment of spectrum in E&V Bands, and Microwave Access (MWA) and Microwave Backbone (MWB) for stakeholders' inputs on the subject. However, in the meantime, the Central government enacted the Telecommunication Act, 2023, in December 2023. Subsequently, the telecom watchdog told DoT that a review may be needed on the abovementioned topic. In response, the DoT, through a fresh reference letter in September 2024, while agreeing to the TRAI's observation that backhaul spectrum is a part of the First Schedule of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 for which the assignment method would be administrative, requested TRAI to provide recommendations under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997 on aspects such as demand assessment and scope of service or usage for V-band (57-66GHz) and E-band (81-86GHz), and the mode of assignment of spectrum and associated tersm and conditions. The DoT had also asked TRAI to provide its suggestions on spectrum charges and related terms & conditions, such as spectrum cap, carrier aggregation, etc., for the assignment of spectrum in lower 6GHz)/7GHz/13GHz/15GHz/18GHz/21GHz bands for backhaul purposes of commercial telecom services, and if there is any need to review the use of the 7GHz and 15GHz bands in view of consideration of these bands for Access using International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) after World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) - 2027. To this extent, stakeholders can submit their views on the consultation paper by June 25, and counter-comments by July 9.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Centre notifies draft rules for delicensing lower 6 GHz band
NEW DELHI: The Central government has notified draft rules for delicensing the lower portion of the much-coveted 6 GHz band , which is likely to boost the usage of low-power and very low-power wireless gear in India, and in particular, may benefit Wi-Fi broadband companies. The Centre has proposed the draft rules in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 3(3) and 4(6) read with clauses (b) and (h) of sub-section (2) of section 56 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023), as per a gazette notification dated May 16, 2025. The 'Use of Low Power and Very Low Power Wireless Access System including Radio Local Area Network in Lower 6 GHz band (Exemption from Licensing Requirement) Rules, 2025' apply to the 5925-6425 MHz band, according to the notification. The Centre said that no authorisation of frequency assignment shall be required to establish, maintain, work, possess, or deal in any wireless equipment for low-power indoor and very low-power outdoor wireless access in the 5925-6425 MHz on a non-interference, non-protection and shared basis, complying with technical parameters. Globally, telecom regulators have delicensed the lower 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi, while the upper portion has been reserved for telecom operators. ETTelecom, in its April 22, 2025, edition , had reported on the ongoing tug-of-war between India's top incumbent telecom carriers and the Wi-Fi companies over the 6GHz band. While telcos want airwaves in this mid-band range identified and auctioned for fifth-generation (5G) and 5G mobile services, the Wi-Fi companies have sought complete delicensing for providing broadband via Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 technologies. London-headquartered GSMA, in a letter to Neeraj Mittal, secretary, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), this year recommended that India's telecom regulator should include the upper portion in 6GHz (or 6.425-7.125GHz) in the next spectrum sale. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which represents Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi), has supported GSMA's stance on the matter. The Delhi-based telco grouping has been separately lobbying the Central government to get the entire 6GHz band to fill the spectrum shortage to cater to demand for 5G services , and roll out sixth-generation (6G) networks in the future. Multinational technology companies have staunchly opposed the telco industry's suggestion. The technology companies, represented by the Broadband India Forum (BIF), have urged the Ministry of Communications to reconsider its decision to auction the 6GHz band (5925-7125MHz) to telecom carriers, arguing that delays in delicensing these airwaves are causing an annual loss of ₹12.7 lakh crore to the government's exchequer. The ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI), too, wrote to Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, suggesting the Central government delicense the lower portion of the 6GHz band (5925–6425MHz) to support next-generation Wi-Fi connectivity in the country and accelerate digital transformation initiatives, ETTelecom had reported on April 21, 2025 .
