New Delhi: The 5G spectrum auction will be “most likely” held in February 2022, and the government can even try for the January Timeline, Telecommunication Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday.
Speaking to PTI, Vaishnaw said that the telecommunications reform package was removed by an adequate cabinet for the survival of existing players, and added that with more reforms, and more structural changes, namely in the pipe, “more players must come”.
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Relief Blockbuster package for the emphasized telecommunications sector which included a four-year break for the company from paying legal contributions, permission to share rare air waves, changes in the definition of income paid and 100 percent.
Foreign investment through automatic routes.
“Today’s reform package is good enough to ensure the competition, it must be good enough to survive the players and ensure this is a healthy sector where competition remains strong …
I honestly believe once we did a little more change there in Pipes, more players will come, “Vaishnaw said.
“We do not intend to stop,” said the minister underlined the determination of government companies to push forward with reform, to ensure strong health from the telecommunications sector.
The minister of telecommunications further said he had spoken with all key players in this sector after Wednesday’s briefing, and that the company was happy with a series of broad steps that had been announced.
“The three big players feel that this is really needed,” Minister said.
Asked about the 5G spectrum auction schedule, the minister said it would be held during the last quarter of this fiscal.
“Most likely February 2022 …
I think in January too, we can try,” Vaishnaw said.