5G Allocation Spectrum | Gist of Rajya Sabha TV / RSTV (now Sansad TV) - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• 72,098 MHz spectrum was put to auction, of which 51,236 MHz or 71% of the total was sold with bid amounting to 1,50,173 Crore rupees. 
• With this spectrum allotment, India is in the final stage of rolling out high-speed 5G telecom services. 
• 5G technology’s main benefits are high speed, low latency, high connection density, and greater reliability. 
• 5G services have the potential to create new age businesses, generate additional revenue for enterprises, and provide employment arising from the deployment of innovative technologies.

Industry response and experience

• Industries appreciated how the auctions were handled fairly and openly.
• The spectrum was readily available. Therefore, there was no need for intense bidding or exceeding prices, and this was praised by business majors.
• The operators made no protests as the spectrum was harmonised without any issues.

Potential of 5G in different sectors

• 5G technology has a great potential of transforming the education sector. The use of Augmented and Virtual reality can be enabled with it.
• Similarly, it can be a game changer for the health sector also.
• The Smart Cities Mission can be a major beneficiary of the technology.
• In the field of banking and financial services, technology will have a greater role to play. For instance, financial services saw a great revolution with ‘Paytm’ enabled by internet connectivity even for the smallest vendor.
• Industry 4.0 will also be positively impacted by it, as automation forms its backbone.
• It will be useful in sectors like precision agriculture, water, and air quality management, traffic mobility management, energy sector, security, and governance.
• It will strengthen and provide remote medical and banking services in rural areas.
• It will further substantiate technologies like Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, Big data analytics, the Internet of Things, and drone services.
• Going forward in the domain of future technology like automated cars and robotics, 5G would be necessary.

Initial Impact of 5G

• Manufacturing will experience the early effects because it is the industry that is most ready or prepared.
• The infrastructure-related services are prepared to use technology as well.
• Additionally, because the introduction of 5G will be slow, the impact on different industries will be recognised as the opportunities open up.

Measures taken by Government to complement the 5G rollout

• The Production linked incentives scheme for telecom and 5G equipment is a significant development that will gradually reduce reliance on imports.
• Policy decision on relaxation of spectrum usage charges on revenue.
• The option for the companies to pay the dues in 20 instalments. This will lower the upfront cost and can ensure the rollout of services in at least one city by the end of this fiscal year.

The future course of action

• Around 8 lakh crore investment would be further required.
• The industry needs to lay a fibre network of approximately 2.5 billion kilometres and ensure a tower every 30 meters.
• Moreover, Internet connectivity should be declared a utility like water and power.

Conclusion

The auction will also improve the quality of the 4G service apart from enabling the 5G service. The dream of the former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam of having a program like PURA (Providing Urban amenities in Rural Areas) can be realized with the 5g technology.