Mega 5G spectrum auction gets Cabinet nod: What lies ahead for stakeholders

The telecom industry is expected to shell out around Rs 1-1.1 trillion on the 5G auction, despite telcos' reservations over high spectrum prices, Icra said

The Union Cabinet has approved the auction of airwaves capable of offering fifth-generation or 5G telecom services including ultra high-speed internet, and gave its nod for setting up of captive 5G networks by the big tech firms.

The auction of over 72 GHz of the spectrum will be held by July-end, said an official statement detailing the decision taken by the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at its meeting held on June 14.

The spectrum auction will commence on July 26, 2022.

While the 5G spectrum in nine frequency bands will be auctioned to telecom operators like