DoT asks telcos to list spectrum needs as data demand surges in lockdown

According to COAI estimates, each telco would require about an additional 5MHz to ensure that the networks continue to function smoothly

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has asked operators to provide the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC) with details of the amount of spectrum in each circle they would require temporarily.
 

Telcos have seen a 15-20 per cent surge in traffic since Sunday as a result of the lockdown as well as the near-complete shift to “work from home”.  Earlier, the capacity had risen by 10 per cent.
 

Rajan S Mathews, director general of the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), said: “Each telco has been asked by the DoT to submit their demand of additional spectrum circle-wise to the