Question : Shortage of Spectrum

(a) whether the Government has received any representation from Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) regarding insufficient spectrum being the reason for poor telecom service in the country and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;

(b) whether the Government proposes to upgrade the existing 4G spectrum to 5G in coming days and if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the steps taken by the Government to ensure sufficient spectrum availability for improved network conditions in the rural areas?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS, EDUCATION AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE)


(a)&(c) Yes, Sir. A representation was received in Department of Telecommunications regarding requirement of additional spectrum for improving quality of service. Recently, Government has conducted auction of spectrum in 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands in March, 2021. Entire available 2308.80 MHz spectrum was put to auction; out of which the TSPs bid for a total of 855.60 MHz. It is expected that spectrum acquired through this auction will help TSPs improve their network conditions in urban as well as rural areas.
(b) Government has made available spectrum in 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz bands for assignment to telecom service providers (TSPs) through auctions conducted from time to time. Spectrum acquired through auctions can be used by the TSPs for deployment of 4G and 5G technologies, among others.

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