5G Spectrum Sale: DCC Tells TRAI To Reconsider Equipment Price Recommendations To Ensure Zero Irregularities

The Department of Telecom has asked the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to reconsider its recommendations on the upcoming 5G spectrum sale, The Hindu reports.

The request comes from the telecom department’s Digital Communication Commission (DCC) to ensure there are no irregularities from the previous regimes and bring in handsome revenue to the public coffers.

The DCC wants TRAI to reconsider the reserve price and methodology among others, and also keep in view the larger objective of Digital India. The move at a time, when the telecom industry has voiced concerns over high spectrum prices, including the airwaves used to offer 5G services.

“…the members were of the view that TRAI should revisit the entire recommendations in order to see whether they are fully in line with objectives like Digital India, broadband for all and inclusive by 5G… we don't want 5G to be rolled out only for smart cars in smart cities. We want 5G to be rolled out for rural health and rural education,” an official said after the meeting.

The official added that since the government is targeting to hold the auction in this calendar year, and has given the TRAI a month, after which the DCC would reconvene to look at the revised suggestions.