2023 spectrum auctions might offer new range of frequencies

More specifically, the DoT could add extra spectrum in the mmWave bands (millimetre wavelength) between 37 GHz and 42 GHz and sub-6 GHz range.

Another spectrum auction for 5G airwaves would probably be held by the government of India in 2023. The primary focus is expected to be 5G, even as 4G airwaves would also be utilized.

If reports are to be believed, The Department of Telecommunications(DoT) is planning to release extra spectrum that can be put out for auction in the forthcoming fiscal year that begins on April 1st of 2023.

August 2022 marked the end of the initial 5G spectrum auctions. The airwaves were put up for bid by Adani Data Networks, Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi). Two of the three major telecom providers have already begun promoting 5G commercially to end users.

The DoT is also expected to include frequencies in bands that were never made available before, according to an ET report. More specifically, the DoT could add extra spectrum in the mmWave bands (millimetre wavelength) between 37 GHz and 42 GHz and sub-6 GHz range.

Broadcasters and satellite players use the 3.8 GHz frequency in India. The telecom agency is attempting to move satellite players and broadcasters to higher frequencies, the article says, so that telcos may use the 3.8 GHz spectrum for 5G. For 5G, the telecom companies are currently utilising spectrum in the 3.3 GHz–3.67 GHz region. Given that the 3.8 GHz range is so near to the spectrum band used by aeroplane altimeters, it would be an intriguing development to look at.

To provide 5G services to customers at scale, telcos would mostly rely on the sub-6 GHz spectrum, C-band spectrum, and mid-band spectrum. 

This is due to the fact that the C-band spectrum has both range and speed. 

Although the mmWave band spectrum has a very limited range, the speeds it can provide are far faster than those of C-band. 

Hence, it is likely that the mmWave bands will only be used for enterprise services.