What is the 5G Spectrum Auction? How Fast will it be?
With the start of its largest-ever auction of spectrum carrying telephone and internet data signals today, India is set to take a significant step toward the 5G era. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a proposal by the Department of Telecommunications to hold a spectrum auction, with spectrum allocated to successful bidders for the provision of 5G services to the public and enterprises.
About 5G Spectrum
A total of 72 GHz (gigahertz) of 5G airwaves worth Rs 4.3 lakh crore are up for bid, with four entities participating: Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Adani Data Networks, an Adani Group subsidiary. The 5G spectrum auction has begun, and it offers ultra-high speeds (about ten times faster than 4G), lag-free connectivity, and the ability for billions of connected devices to share data in real-time.
How fast will 5G be?
According to technology experts, users will be able to download a 5GB movie in 35 seconds using 5G internet, compared to 40 minutes using 4G, 2 hours using 3G, and 2.8 days using 2G.
Which bands are on auction?
A total of 72,097.85 MHz (72 GHz) of the spectrum with a validity of 20 years is up for action from today. The auction is being held for spectrum in various low (600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz), mid (3300 MHz) and high (26 GHz) frequency bands.
“It is expected that the Mid and High band spectrum will be utilised by telecom service providers to roll out 5G technology-based services capable of providing speed and capacities which would be about 10 times higher than what is possible through the current 4G services,” according to a statement by the Union Cabinet
What spectrum do telecom operators require?
Spectrums in the 400 MHz to 4 GHz range are thought to be the best for telecom operators. Domestic mobile technology relies on the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands, 3G on the 900 MHz and 2100 MHz bands, 4G on the 850 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2300 MHz, and 2500 MHz bands, and 5G on the 3.5MHz and 700 MHz bands.
Who are the bidders?
According to the Department of Telecom, Gautam Adani-led Adani Data Networks, Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea have applied to participate in the upcoming 5G auction.
They have submitted earnest money deposits (EMDs) — a key marker of bidding intent — to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Reliance Jio has put in Rs 14,000 crore, compared to Rs 5,500 crore by Bharti Airtel, Rs 2,200 crore by Vodafone Idea, and Rs 100 crore by the Adani Group.
With the 5G spectrum auctions taking place now, it is expected that 5G services will be rolled out later this year itself, or by early 2023 at the latest. Liked this post? Don’t forget to check out our other short stories in our Quick Read section.