Latest news with #WorldRadiocommunicationConference
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Trai issues consultation paper on microwave spectrum across bands
In a first, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on Wednesday released a consultation paper seeking to assess the demand for, and the scope of service for microwave spectrum across eight spectrum bands. Aiming to create guidelines for microwave spectrum in the 6 GHz, 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz and 21 GHz bands, along with V-band and E-band, the paper seeks industry views on how to assign spectrum in various microwave bands for commercial backhaul, along with the terms and conditions, including pricing, spectrum caps, and carrier aggregation. Called the 'lifeblood of today's cellular mobile networks', microwave spectrum is used for providing both last mile 'access' to consumer devices, as well as backhaul links in places where laying the optical fiber cables is difficult or economically unviable. The microwave spectrum ranging from 400 MHz to 4 GHz was used for providing cellular mobile radio access, while the one ranging from 6 GHz to 24 GHz was used for providing backhaul. However, the recent introduction of 5G technology has led to the need for wider frequency channels and now frequencies above 24 GHz are also used for both cellular mobile radio access and backhaul. DoT also wants TRAI to examine whether the 7 GHz and 15 GHz bands, currently used for backhaul, should be re-evaluated for mobile telephony now or after the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) takes a call on them in it has asked which commercial telecom services should the spectrum in traditional microwave backhaul bands be assigned for radio backhaul purposes. Trai has also been asked to examine how spectrum in non-mobile telephony bands could be used for last-mile connectivity through fixed wireless access, and for captive backhaul services. The feasibility of permitting low-power indoor device-to-device communication in the V-band on a licence-exempt basis is also under review. Stakeholders will have to submit their inputs by June 25, with counter-comments accepted until July 9.
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.
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
India to play a seminal role in setting 6G protocols by 2027: Scindia
India will play a seminal role in setting the protocols for 6G technology by 2027, when countries meet to define them, Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Monday. Speaking at the theme launch of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, set to be held here in October, Scindia said India is already among the top six countries globally in filing 6G patents and aims to contribute at least 10 per cent of global patent filings by 2030. The next World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) in 2027 will establish the protocols defining the spectrum landscape for 6G, particularly by considering the allocation of specific frequency bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), or IMT-2030, which will be finalised for 6G. It will also set the standards for the technology. "It is our hope that by then, India will play a seminal role in defining those protocols. We have already filed for two issues which have been accepted—ubiquitous connectivity and equity of connectivity," Scindia said. Satcom plans On the budding satellite communication sector in the country, Scindia said the government has done its part in establishing the policy framework necessary for companies to operate. "Our job is to be able to provide the licence if they have fulfilled all the conditions, which two companies had, and the third company is doing so, and the rules for the spectrum allocation, which now TRAI have come out with. Basis both these things, it depends on the individual companies to define their own path," Scindia said. The third company in question is Elon Musk-owned Starlink, whose application for satellite communication services in India has been cleared by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). However, it still needs to secure space regulator IN-SPACe's clearance in record time if it wants to roll out signals alongside competitors Airtel-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio's satellite arm, Jio Space Limited. Both have received the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) services licence, needed to offer satellite-based broadband services in India. Organised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), IMC 2025 is expected to attract over 1.5 lakh visitors from 150-plus countries, feature over 400 exhibitors and partners, and more than 7,000 global delegates. The flagship start-up programme, ASPIRE, introduced in 2023, will feature over 500 start-ups and connect them with more than 300 investors, incubators, accelerators and VCs for mentorship, live pitching sessions and networking. IMC, Asia's largest digital technology forum, will also witness 800-plus speakers participating in over 100 conference sessions.
Al-Ahram Weekly
20-05-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt mobile operators invest $2.7 bln in 5G rollout: Minister - Tech
Egypt's four mobile network operators have invested $2.7 billion in 5G spectrum and licenses since 2019, reflecting growing investor confidence in the country's digital strategy, according to Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat. Speaking at the 5G Technology Forum in Cairo on Monday, Talaat said the telecoms sector had significantly developed over the past decade and called 5G 'a qualitative leap' in how people work, live and connect. The event was organized by public policy firm Moharram & Partners and attended by ambassadors and representatives from the US, European Union (EU), Japan and major tech firms. Talaat noted Egypt's spectrum strategy was developed in line with international standards, citing the country's hosting of the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2019. Massad Boulos, senior adviser for Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs to US President Donald Trump, said the forum showed growing cooperation with Egypt and called for increased investment across Africa. "Such conferences and companies represent a fundamental pillar for expanding cooperation with our Egyptian partners, as well as our partners in the EU, Sweden, Japan, and Finland," he added. US ambassador Herro Mustafa Garg stated that 5G was about 'reliable, secure networks' supporting everything from smart cities to advanced healthcare. "This forum is not just about faster internet; it is about building reliable and secure networks that can support everything from smart cities to advanced healthcare. American companies are ready to work alongside Egypt to provide the innovative and secure infrastructure that this country deserves," Garg said. Moharram & Partners CEO Sherif El-Badawy described the forum as a strategic step toward aligning public and private efforts in Egypt's digital transformation. 'The 5G Technology Forum is more than a technical event — it's a strategic platform bringing together decision-makers, industry leaders and government institutions to chart the future of Egypt's telecommunications sector,' stated Sherif El-Badawy, ambassador and CEO of Moharram & Partners. 'With participation from ambassadors representing the US, Japan, and several European countries, the forum fosters meaningful partnerships aimed at accelerating 5G deployment and positioning Egypt as a regional hub for digital innovation.' The event drew participation from major tech firms, including Ericsson, Nokia, Intel, IBM, Cisco, and Rakuten Symphony. Kevin Murphy, Ericsson's Vice President for North East Africa, said the company remained focused on 'building future-ready networks' and enhancing regional collaboration on 5G and cybersecurity. Telecom Egypt CEO Mohamed Nasr said the company was the first to receive a 5G licence through its retail brand WE, and would continue expanding services to meet the evolving demands of customers. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
20-05-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt mobile operators invest $2.7 bn in 5G rollout: Minister - Tech
Egypt's four mobile network operators have invested $2.7 billion in 5G spectrum and licenses since 2019, reflecting growing investor confidence in the country's digital strategy, according to Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat. Speaking at the 5G Technology Forum in Cairo on Monday, Talaat said the telecoms sector had significantly developed over the past decade and called 5G 'a qualitative leap' in how people work, live and connect. The event was organized by public policy firm Moharram & Partners and attended by ambassadors and representatives from the US, European Union (EU), Japan and major tech firms. Talaat noted Egypt's spectrum strategy was developed in line with international standards, citing the country's hosting of the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2019. Massad Boulos, senior adviser for Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs to US President Donald Trump, said the forum showed growing cooperation with Egypt and called for increased investment across Africa. "Such conferences and companies represent a fundamental pillar for expanding cooperation with our Egyptian partners, as well as our partners in the EU, Sweden, Japan, and Finland," he added. US ambassador Herro Mustafa Garg stated that 5G was about 'reliable, secure networks' supporting everything from smart cities to advanced healthcare. "This forum is not just about faster internet; it is about building reliable and secure networks that can support everything from smart cities to advanced healthcare. American companies are ready to work alongside Egypt to provide the innovative and secure infrastructure that this country deserves," Garg said. Moharram & Partners CEO Sherif El-Badawy described the forum as a strategic step toward aligning public and private efforts in Egypt's digital transformation. 'The 5G Technology Forum is more than a technical event — it's a strategic platform bringing together decision-makers, industry leaders and government institutions to chart the future of Egypt's telecommunications sector,' stated Sherif El-Badawy, ambassador and CEO of Moharram & Partners. 'With participation from ambassadors representing the US, Japan, and several European countries, the forum fosters meaningful partnerships aimed at accelerating 5G deployment and positioning Egypt as a regional hub for digital innovation.' The event drew participation from major tech firms, including Ericsson, Nokia, Intel, IBM, Cisco, and Rakuten Symphony. Kevin Murphy, Ericsson's Vice President for North East Africa, said the company remained focused on 'building future-ready networks' and enhancing regional collaboration on 5G and cybersecurity. Telecom Egypt CEO Mohamed Nasr said the company was the first to receive a 5G licence through its retail brand WE, and would continue expanding services to meet the evolving demands of customers. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
