Experts advise govt to lower spectrum prices, increase airwaves for 5G push

India might aspire to become a leader in 5G technology, but it does not even have one of the 150 trials going on currently across the world.

A steering committee on 5G recently submitted its report to the government, suggesting various measures to boost 5G uptake. According to the committee, the price of spectrum should be lowered and the quantum of airwaves increased. The gaovernment expects the commercial launch of 5G services in 2020.

The US plans to launch it a year earlier.

Asked about the future of 5G in the country, operators feel the 2020 timeline is achievable if the government auctions spectrum at reasonable prices. However, even then, it is not going to be a full-fledged launch across all the circles.

According to an industry watcher, 5G launch can be like 4G. He said although Bharti Airtel launched 4G services in Kolkata in 2012, taking it across the country took five-six years. Telecom operators are still rolling out 4G in various areas