DoT consults MoD, ISRO to make airwaves available for 5G spectrum auctions

Currently, 25 MHz of spectrum is with the Isro and 40 MHz is with MoD, or 22 per cent of the total 300 MHz airwaves available in the 3,300-3,600 MHz band

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has begun consultations with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Department of Space for making airwaves available in the 3,300-3,600 megahertz (MHz) band for the upcoming 5G spectrum auctions.

The auctions are expected to take place by the end of the year. The 3,300-3,600 MHz band will be crucial to the success of 5G auctions, as telcos have been making a pitch for having large chunks of contiguous spectrum for seamless 5G services.

Currently, 25 MHz of spectrum is with the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) and 40 MHz is with MoD, or 22 per cent