5G spectrum auction planned for March 2025

The Standing Committee on Information Technology & Telecommunications announced on Tuesday that the 5G spectrum auction is under consideration and is likely to be held in March 2025. The committee underscored the need for service providers to ensure high-quality 5G services in major cities following the auction. The committee recommended that the ministry incentivise service providers in the 5G spectrum auction and ensure these incentives are spent on improving infrastructure to guarantee uninterrupted 5G services nationwide. The committee’s second meeting, chaired by Syed Aminul Haq, also discussed the “Establishment of Telecommunications Appellate Tribunal Bill, 2024.” This government bill aims to expedite pending telecom sector cases currently stuck in the high court. Once established, the tribunal will handle these cases, with a mandate to deliver decisions within 90 days.