Affordable spectrum a must for 5G services, says Vodafone-Idea CEO

Currently 5G trials are underway and the govt hopes to hold a spectrum auction by April-May 2022; TRAI has also initiated a consultation exercise on the issue of 5G spectrum

Telecommunication (telecom) companies have stressed the need for affordable spectrum and a further hike in tariffs as they prepare to roll out 5G services next year. 

According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) estimate, an investment of $60-70 billion would be required to implement 5G services, Vodafone Idea (Vi) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ravinder Takkar said at the Indian Mobile Congress on Thursday.  

Access to adequate low-cost spectrum and easy payment terms are essential for companies to plan their investments; the government must decide on these issues on priority, said Takkar.

“Our focus on leveraging new technologies and