BSNL seeks spectrum worth Rs 61,000 crore in premium 700 Mhz frequency, prime 5G band

According to sources, the state-run BSNL has urged the government to allot it spectrum worth Rs 61,000 crore in the premium 700 Mhz frequency range as well as the medium frequency band for 4G and 5G services.

The Department of Telecom (DoT) recommended allocating 10 megahertz of paired spectrum in the 600 Mhz band,  40 Mhz in the 3600-3670 Mhz band, and 400 Mhz in the 24 Ghz band to BSNL. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India was consulted on the matter.

However, BSNL has requested 10 Mhz of spectrum in the 700 Mhz band in a letter to the Department of Telecom, citing a lack of device ecosystem in the 600 Mhz frequency range. The value of spectrum sought by BSNL in the 700Mhz band, based on the TRAI's proposed base price, comes roughly to 39,000 crore.

According to the letter,it has also requested 70 Mhz of spectrum in the 3300 to 3670 Mhz range (the mid-band) for Rs 22,190 crore, as opposed to the DoT's proposed 40 Mhz. This mid-band is likely to play a crucial role in the country's 5G rollout.

When compared to other frequencies currently granted to the sector, the 700Mhz band is regarded premium since it provides wide coverage of mobile phone signals and requires the leas number of telecom towers to put up a network.

If the government reserve 70 Mhz of spectrum in the mid-band, there will be a total of 300 Mhz of spectrum available in the forthcoming auction for players to bid on.

According to a government official, private telecom operators are anticipated to buy 100 Mhz of mid-band spectum, which will be enough for them to provide high-speed 5G services even if the government allocates 70 Mhz of spectrum to BSNL.

(With PTI Inputs)