Satcom, telecom players have a row over mmWave band as 5G auction nears

The coveted mmWave band (24.5-28.5 GHz) has become a sour point between Satcom and the telecom industry. 

While telecom regulator, TRAI recommended the mmWave band be put to auction, the Digital Communications Commission is of the view that that mmWave band of 27.5 GHz to 28.5 GHz GHz band – which was sought by satellite companies for broadband-from-space services – should be kept out of the 5G spectrum auction. DCC has sent a reference back to TRAI, asking views on not to auction 28GHz range for now. TRAI is expected to revert next week. 

However, this development has not gone well with many and it has become an issue of Satcom versus the telecom industry. 

The UK-based Global mobile Suppliers Association GSA has asked the Indian government to put all frequency bands including the mmWave (24.5 – 28.5 GHz) range up for auction and said that the terrestrial networks and satellite systems can co-exist in the band as suggested by the telecom regulator. 

TRAI had also said the mmWave band (27.5-28.5 GHz) can be used for both 5G and satellite communications services on a “coexistence basis”. 

GSA cited a study on co-existence between mobile carriers and satellite communications providers which said there was no interference issue for the satellite services from the 5G systems in this (24.25-29.5 GHz) band. 

Finnish telecom gear maker Nokia is betting on India to help it drive global standardization for 5G advanced and 6G technologies.

The competence in India is severely underestimated in terms of what they can deliver to us. Nokia is increasing peer resources, including for global standardization to drive a lot 5G advanced standards and 6G standards coming out of India competence, according to Nokia’s chief technology and strategy officer Nishant Batra. While standards won’t be written out of India but Nokia is finding “competence and people” who can help it build global standards.