DoT Receives 12 Proposals For 5G Trials Set To Begin In Last Quarter Of Current Financial Year

In a major boost towards introduction of fifth generation (5G) mobile technology in India, the country is set to witness the trials of the 5G begin in the last quarter of the ongoing financial year, reports Economic Times.

The Department of Telecom has so far received a total of 12 applications for conducting 5G trials, including from Chinese telecom giant Huawei, none of which have been approved or rejected as of yet.

"The 5G trials will start in the last quarter of the current financial year," a senior telecom department official was quoted in the report as saying.

The government has not taken any decision regarding the participation of Chinese telecom equipment maker Huawei. However, the officials have suggested that national security will be one the considerations while giving approval for the 5G trials.

Any proposal on 5G must address twin considerations - first adoption of new technology, and imperatives of national security, said another official.

The official added that 5G auction should not be linked to the general spectrum auctions that are likely to take place March-April 2020.

As per the report, the 5G technology is still in the phase of evolution, with major global players trying to evaluate the ecosystem and use cases for 5G.