Trai starts exercise for next spectrum auction across 9 bands

Among the nine are two new bands that can be used for deploying 5G services

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has begun the exercise for conducting the next round of spectrum auction in nine bands, including two bands that can be used for deploying 5G services, as well unsold air waves from the previous sale.

The department of telecommunications (DoT) had in April sought recommendations from Trai for the reserve price and the quantum of air waves to be sold in 2017.

However, Trai said since 60 per cent of air waves remained unsold in last October’s auction and with concerns about the financial health of the telecom industry, it must be consulted