The 5G spectrum auction is likely to be delayed again as big tech players compete strongly with telecom service providers to take part in the auction.
According to a recent media report, although the allocation of spectrum for private network users has been ruled out in the upcoming auction, these players have approached the government through their representative bodies. The big players argue that keeping them at bay would damage the digitisation process of the economy and make Indian products less competitive in the global market.
The Broadband India Forum (BIF), a representative body, is said to have approached the government with a request to “keep overall digitisation aspirations and interests in mind.” BIF’s members include global names such as Amazon, Cisco, Facebook, Google, Intel, Microsoft, Qualcomm and Indian giants like Adani, Reliance and Mahindra & Mahindra. The BIF asked the government to provide this spectrum via administered allocation route at some nominal rates or for free. “It is strictly for captive usage for improvement of efficiency,” said TV Ramachandran, President at BIF.
The Digital Communications Commission (DCC) had approved the 5G spectrum on May 17 as per TRAI’s recommendations. The proposals were supposed to be put up before the cabinet after that. But, the Cabinet has not approved the proposals yet.
