Question : 4G and 5G Spectrum Auction

(a) whether the Government has auctioned 4G and 5G spectrums for telecom companies;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the expenditure incurred in the said auction including the revenue generated from 4G and 5G spectrum auction;

(c) the effective steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government for sustainable and judicious use of spectrum for effective communication and progress of the country;

(d) whether illegal interference and misuse of spectrum has affected the internet and Government communication in the country and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the effective measures taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS
(SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN)

(a) & (b) Government had conducted auction of spectrum in 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands in March, 2021. In the auction, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have acquired rights to use 855.60 MHz spectrum worth Rs. 77,820.82 crores. Spectrum acquired through auctions can be used by the TSPs for deployment of any International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) technology, including 4G and 5G, as per their network/business plans. The expenditure incurred towards spectrum auction including administrative costs and service charges to auctioneer, for the above auction was Rs. 43,57,356/- (including GST).

(c) Access spectrum to the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) is provided through auction. Spectrum Sharing, Spectrum Trading and Liberalization of administratively acquired spectrum have also been allowed by the Government to the TSPs.

(d) & (e) Any misuse of spectrum is taken care through regular spectrum monitoring and remedial action as necessary.