After recently auctioning 5G spectrum, the Indian government is planning to auction the backhaul spectrum, according to the Hindu Businessline. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has been asked to provide recommendations for the auction of E-band and V-band spectrum, which is used for backhaul.
Previously, backhaul spectrum was administratively assigned to MNOs, but a Supreme Court decision in 2012 approved the universal auction of spectrum. Since then, the government has been mulling over how it would sell the spectrum. It has decided that certain MNOs will purchase backhaul spectrum in the future, as well as buy the backhaul spectrum at auction they had previously been assigned.
The E-band spectrum spans 71–76 GHz and 81–86 GHz, while the V-band spectrum is in the 60 GHz band. Back in 2013, the FCC allocated the 57-64 GHz band in the U.S. for unlicensed, high-capacity, short‑range outdoor backhaul, especially for small cells.
GSMA has urged regulators around the world to remember to consider spectrum needs for 5G backhaul, making additional bands available and supporting wider bandwidths in existing bands. “Measures should also be taken to ensure licenses are affordable and designed effectively,” the association said.
By J. Sharpe Smith, Inside Towers Technology Editor
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