New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Wednesday released a consultation paper seeking stakeholder views on the assignment of microwave spectrum across multiple bands, including 6 GHz (lower), 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, 21 GHz, as well as E and V bands.
Stakeholders have been invited to submit comments by June 25, 2025, and counter-comments by July 9, 2025.
Focus on Backhaul Spectrum for Telecom Services
The consultation paper comes in response to a September 2024 reference from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which had requested TRAI’s recommendations on the assignment of backhaul spectrum in light of the provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Backhaul links form a vital part of telecom infrastructure, connecting access networks (last-mile consumer connectivity) to core networks, and thereby to global systems.
TRAI’s Scope and Key Areas of Discussion
TRAI has sought inputs on–
- Demand assessment for the V-band (57–64 GHz and 66 GHz) and E-band (71–76 GHz and 81–86 GHz)
- Scope of use, including commercial services
- Spectrum assignment methodology: administrative, auction-based, or hybrid
- Spectrum charges and validity
- Rollout obligations and spectrum caps
- Possibility of carrier aggregation in these bands
The regulator has framed over 50 detailed questions to gather feedback from industry players, experts, and other stakeholders.
Potential IMT Usage Could Affect 7 GHz, 15 GHz Bands
TRAI also flagged that parts of the 7 GHz and 15 GHz bands are being considered for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) during the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27).
In this context, it asked whether India should review current usage of these bands now, or wait for the WRC-27 outcome before taking a decision.
Context and Background
In 2022, DoT had originally asked TRAI to suggest a mechanism for assigning spectrum in the E & V bands, and Microwave Access (MWA) and Microwave Backbone (MWB) bands. However, with the enactment of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which classifies backhaul spectrum under administrative assignment, TRAI recommended revisiting the earlier reference.
Way Forward
The feedback from this consultation is expected to shape India’s policy framework on microwave spectrum usage for backhaul – a critical requirement for expanding 5G and future telecom networks.
TRAI’s recommendations will inform the government’s decisions on administrative allocation, spectrum pricing, and licensing conditions.
