The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on December 10, 2025, releases Recommendations on Assignment of the Microwave Spectrum in 6 GHz (lower), 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, 21 GHz Bands, E-Band, and V-Band.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) sought TRAI’s recommendations under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997 regarding the assignment of microwave spectrum in traditional bands (6 GHz (lower), 7 GHz, 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, 21 GHz) as well as E-band and V-band. Following a consultation process—including comments from 24 stakeholders, 8 counter-comments, and an online open house held on 11 August 2025—TRAI finalized its recommendations.
TRAI noted that microwave spectrum is critical for telecom backhaul, with about 54% of mobile base stations currently using microwave links. It highlighted existing challenges in the policy framework, such as provisional spectrum assignments, escalating carrier-based charges, and limited access for non-access service providers. In line with the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which mandates administrative assignment of radio backhaul spectrum, TRAI recommended a holistic framework enabling wider access, spectrum reuse, and reduced costs.
Key Recommendations
Assignment Framework
• Wireless access service providers (WASPs):
• Assigned spectrum on a block-basis in 13 GHz, 15 GHz, 18 GHz, and E-band.
• Ceiling of 8 carriers (28 MHz each) in traditional bands and 3 carriers (250 MHz each) in E-band.
• Other telecom service providers & captive users:
Assigned spectrum on a point-to-point link basis in 6 GHz (lower), 21 GHz, E-band (limited), and V-band.
• V-band:
20 carriers (50 MHz each) allowed; license-exempt low-power indoor and very low-power outdoor use permitted.
Existing assignees may retain their currently assigned carriers to avoid service disruption.
• Spectrum Charging Reform
• Escalating charges replaced with uniform, lower per-carrier charges to encourage uptake.
• Traditional microwave bands: 0.1% of AGR per carrier (down from escalating rates up to 1.1%).
• Point-to-point link charges:
• 6/7 GHz: ₹75,000 per carrier/year (down from ₹7,20,000).
• 13/15/18/21 GHz: ₹25,000 per carrier/year (down from ₹3,60,000).
• E-band charges: Reduced to 0.10% AGR per carrier for WASPs;
• ₹25,000 per carrier/year for point-to-point links (new provision).
• V-band point-to-point links: ₹2,500 per carrier/year.
Overall, the recommendations streamline spectrum allocation, lower costs significantly, enable broader participation, and support efficient deployment of telecom backhaul networks.
Link - https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-12/Recommendation_10122025_0.pdf
[Press Release No. 149/2025]
