The government will carry out the spectrum auction this year, which will facilitate 5G’s roll-out services by private telecommunications operators during the financial year 2022-23, Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday.
“The spectrum auction will be carried out in 2022 to facilitate 5G cellular service protection in 2022-23 by private telecommunications providers,” Sitharaman said.
He said the telecommunications sector in general and 5G, in particular, can allow growth and offer employment opportunities.
“Schemes for manufacturing led design will be launched to build a strong ecosystem for 5G as part of the incentive scheme associated with production,” FM said.
He said that to allow affordable broadband and cellular service proliferation in rural and remote areas, 5 percent of the annual collection under universal service obligations will be allocated.
“This will promote R & D and the commercialization of technology and solutions.
Our mission is that all villages and residents have to have the same access to electronic services, communication facilities and digital resources as urban areas and their citizens,” FM said.
He added that the contract to put optical fibers in all villages, including remote areas, will be given through the Bharatnet project through PPP in 2022-23.
“Settlement is expected in 2025.
The steps will be taken to allow better and more efficient use of optical fiber,” FM said.
FM announced the 5G spectrum auction launch, the PLI scheme
