Emerging tech sectors stake claim on 600 MHz spectrum band

The crucial 600 MHz band, which did not find any takers in the 2022 5G spectrum auctions, is now seeing interest from industries such as audio programme making and special events (PMSE) as well as broadcasting, officials said.

Amid ongoing discussions on updating the national frequency allocation plan (NFAP), the department of telecommunications (DoT) has received requests from these industries to allocate spectrum to them in absence of any use cases and auction of the band for international mobile telecommunication (IMT).

The spectrum in the band would allow devices to transmit high-quality sound wirelessly over short distances, avoiding interference and ensuring clear audio for performers, presenters, and audiences.

Even as the audio industry has sought spectrum as secondary allocation, telcos expressed concern over allocation of the band to the audio industry beyond 612 MHz.

In their argument to DoT, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has said the range should be kept below 612 MHz for allocation to the audio industry.

Telecom operators also asked for studies with regard to potential interference scenarios in the adjacent bands to primary services such as telecom.

In 2022, the government had put the 600 Mhz band in the auction. However, it failed to find any bidders due to lack of device ecosystem to support the services in that band. Even the pricing of the band was Rs 3,927 crore per unit, making it one of the costliest bands in the auction.

For telecom operators, the 600 MHz band is crucial to improve wireless broadband coverage.

Lately, Qualcomm said the smartphone ecosystem is good to support enhanced telecom services in the 600 MHz band. DoT is expected to again bring in the band in the next spectrum auction.