New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has approved the refarming of 687 MHz of spectrum for mobile services, marking a significant step in addressing the future demands of India’s growing telecom sector, stated Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Highlighting the broader vision, Scindia emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a robust digital telecom landscape, meeting both current and future demands. “In yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister was extremely focused on not only increasing our capability but ensuring productivity,” he stated.
Spectrum Demand and Allocation
India’s telecom sector is projected to require 2,000 MHz of spectrum across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G bands by 2030. As of now, around 900 MHz of spectrum has been allocated, leaving a significant shortfall. Scindia announced that the latest Cabinet decision to re-farm 687 MHz of spectrum raises the total allocated spectrum to 1,587 MHz, reducing the gap to approximately 400 MHz.
“This takes us from 900 MHz to 1,587 MHz,” Scindia explained, adding that the reallocation will be phased. “320 MHz will be released immediately, some by the end of next year, and some by the end of 2028-29, making us ready for 2030,” he said.
To address the remaining gap, a Committee of Secretaries has been tasked with studying spectrum usage and requirements. The Minister assured that another report would be submitted by mid-2025, ensuring no hurdles in achieving the 2,000 MHz target.
Strategic Refarming for Productivity
Scindia highlighted that the committee’s analysis aims to optimize spectrum usage across ministries. “Where spectrum is productively used, it must be kept; where it is not being used, it must be re-farmed,” he said, emphasizing the government’s focus on ensuring spectrum allocation aligns with national priorities and productivity.
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) expressed strong support for the Cabinet’s decision. Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General of COAI, lauded the government’s recognition of the sector’s demand for 2,000 MHz and the strategic steps taken to meet this goal.
“We are very pleased to note the announcement made by the Hon’ble Minister of Communications that the ongoing exercise for refarming spectrum for IMT services has been completed in the first phase,” Kochhar said.
He commended the allocation of 687 MHz, which he noted brings the total spectrum for mobile services to 1,587 MHz. While acknowledging the progress, Kochhar underlined the importance of addressing the remaining 400 MHz shortfall.
“It is extremely heartening to know that concrete steps have been taken and are being taken to firstly, recognize our demand of 2,000 MHz for the IMT band, and take strategic steps to allocate part of it to IMT immediately,” he said.
Kochhar emphasized that this development would accelerate the rollout of 5G services, enabling better connectivity across the country. “This will enable rollout and providing of better 5G services to the entire nation at large, which is the broad aim of the Government and the industry,” he added.
With the Cabinet’s approval of 687 MHz and the government’s proactive approach, the telecom sector is poised to make significant strides in its journey toward meeting 2030’s spectrum demands. The Committee of Secretaries’ forthcoming report, expected by mid-2025, will be instrumental in addressing the remaining spectrum gap.
As India advances toward becoming a global digital leader, the government and industry’s collaborative efforts will play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless connectivity, robust 5G services, and a thriving digital economy.
Also Read –
