Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy:NDTVPROFIT

Context:

The Union Cabinet has approved the refarming of 687 Mhz of spectrum for mobile services.

Details

The Union Cabinet has approved the refarming of 687 MHz of spectrum for mobile services. This increases the total available spectrum from 900 MHz to 1,587 MHz. Out of this, 320 MHz will be released immediately, while the remaining will be made available by 2028-29.

Why is this refarming significant for mobile services?

Mobile services will require around 2,000 MHz of spectrum by 2030. Currently, only 900 MHz is available, leaving a gap of 1,100 MHz. The refarming addresses this gap and aligns with the growing demand for efficient mid-band spectrum usage (1 GHz to 6 GHz).

It also prepares India to meet future mobile service needs, especially for advanced technologies like 5G.

About Spectrum

In telecommunications, "spectrum" refers to the range of radio frequencies within the electromagnetic spectrum used for transmitting wireless signals, enabling communication between devices like mobile phones, computers, and other wireless gadgets.

It is the "airwaves" that carry data through radio waves, including technologies like cellular networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and satellite communications, with different frequency bands allocated for various purposes depending on their characteristics like range and data capacity. 

Spectrum is auctioned in fixed amounts and specific bands for operators to provide communication services to consumers.

The spectrum is divided into different frequency bands, each with its own properties impacting signal propagation and suitability for various applications. 

Governments regulate spectrum allocation to ensure efficient use and prevent interference between different services operating on the same frequencies. 

Types of Spectrum bands

• Low Band Spectrum (<1 GHz)
  • • Examples: 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz.
    • Suitable for wide and in-building coverage, serving large areas with fewer towers.
    • When combined with high bands, it supports commercial mobile and broadcasting services.
• Mid-Band Spectrum (1 GHz to 6 GHz)
  • • Examples: 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz.
    • Balances coverage and capacity to carry more data over significant distances.
• High Band Spectrum (24 GHz to 40 GHz)
  • • Known as the millimetre wave spectrum.
    • Ideal for high-speed networks over short ranges but is prone to interference from dense objects.

What spectrum bands do telecom companies need for different mobile technologies?

• 2G Services: 900 MHz and 1800 MHz.
• 3G Services: 900 MHz and 2100 MHz.
• 4G Services: 850 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2300 MHz, and 2500 MHz.
• 5G Services: 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands.

What is spectrum refarming?

"Spectrum refarming" refers to the process of repurposing existing radio frequency spectrum bands, used by older, less efficient technologies, to newer, more advanced technologies like 5G, allowing for better network performance and increased capacity by reallocating spectrum from outdated services to newer, more data-intensive ones, essentially maximizing the utilization of a limited resource like radio spectrum.

Benefits

It allows operators to provide faster data speeds and handle more users on the same spectrum.

It can be used to extend network coverage to rural areas by leveraging lower frequency bands.

It offers a way to upgrade networks without acquiring additional spectrum through auctions. 

Way Forward

India focusing on mid-band and high-band spectrums for 5G. Spectrum Refarming allows Communications Service Providers to modernize infrastructure efficiently, ensure readiness for 5G technologies, and improve service quality.  

Must Read Articles: 

SPECTRUM ALLOCATION IN INDIA

SPECTRUM ALLOCATION

Source: 

INDIAN EXPRESS