5G technology and spectrum trials to start in India, but no Chinese equipment to be used: Telecom Department gives nod
The list of telecom gear makers approved for trials include Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, C-DOT and Reliance Jio's indigenously developed technologies.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on May 4 gave permission to Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to conduct trials for use and applications of 5G technology for a period of six months.
TSPs that have applied for permission include Bharti Airtel, MTNL, Reliance Jio Infocomm and Vodafone Idea.
Initially, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea had submitted proposals to carry out trials using technology of China”s Huawei. Later, they submitted applications wherein the trails will be done without technologies from Chinese vendors.
The duration of the trials, at present, is for a period of 6 months. This includes a time period of 2 months for procurement and setting up of the equipment.
The experimental spectrum is being given in various bands which include the mid-band (3.2 GHz to 3.67 GHz), millimeter wave band (24.25 GHz to 28.5 GHz) and in Sub-Gigahertz band (700 GHz). TSPs will also be permitted to use their existing spectrum owned by them (800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2500 MHz) for conduct of 5G trials.
Permissions given are as per priorities and technology partners identified by TSPs themselves, it added. DoT has specified that the trials will be non-commercial and are to be conducted in isolation without connection to the TSPs’ existing networks.
The latest move also indicates that the government may bar Chinese companies from participating in rolling out of the 5G services in the country.
