STANDING COMMITTEE ON

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
21 (2020-21)

SEVENTEENTH LOK SABHA

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
(DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS)

INDIA‘S PREPAREDNESS FOR 5G

TWENTY- FIRST REPORT

LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT

NEW DELHI

February, 2021/Magha, 1942 (Saka)

 TWENTY- FIRST REPORT

STANDING COMMITTEE ON
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(2020-21)

SEVENTEENTH LOK SABHA

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
(DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS)

INDIA‘S PREPAREDNESS FOR 5G

Presented to Lok Sabha on 08.02.2021

Laid in Rajya Sabha on 08.02.2021

LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT

NEW DELHI

February, 2021/Magha, 1942 (Saka)

 CONTENTS
Page
COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE (iii)
ABBREVIATIONS (iv)
INTRODUCTION (vi)
REPORT
PART I
I. Introduction 1

II. 5G Technology: Next Generation of Mobile Communications 1

(i) Definition and Salient Features 1
(ii) Advantages of 5G vis-à-vis other technologies 2
(iii) Benefit and Relevance for India 5
(iv) Race for 5G Around the World 6

III. India‘s Preparedness for 5G Ecosystem 7

(i) DoT High Level Forum on 5G 7
IV. Spectrum Related Issues 10
(i) Availability of Spectrum for 5G 10
(ii) Spectrum Audit 13
(iii) High Spectrum Price in the Country 14
(iv) Spectrum for Industrial Use 17

V. 5G Test Bed, Use Case and 5G Field Trials 20

(i) Setting up of Indigenous 5G Test Bed 20
(ii) Setting up of 5G Use Case Labs 22
(iii) 5G Field Trial and Experimental Spectrum for Field Trials 25

VI. Issues Relating to Standards 27

(i) India‘s Contribution in Development of 5G Standards 27
(ii) Need for Harmonization of Indian Standards with Global Standards 29

VII. Device Eco-system for 5G 33

(i) Affordable Handsets 33
(ii) Promotion of Domestic Manufacturing of Telecom Equipment 34
(iii) Development of Indigenous 5G Technology 36
(iv) Development of Open RAN in the Telecom Network 38
VIII. Infrastructure & RoW Policy Issues 39
(i) Fiberisation and RoW Policy Issues 39
(ii) Requirement of Small Cells 42
(iii) Sharing of Infrastructure 44

IX. Use of E and V Bands for Backhaul Spectrum 46

X. Security Related Issues in 5G Scenario 48

(i) Threat from Imported Telecom Equipment 51

(i)
XI. Other Issues 52
(i) Need for Investment 52
(ii) Availability of Reliable Power Supply 53
(iii) 5G to BSNL and MTNL 54
(iv) Coordinated Efforts across Sectors for 5G Eco-system 56
(v) 5G and Health Concerns 58
PART II
OBSERVATIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS 61
APPENDICES
I. Minutes of the Twenty-first sitting of the Committee (2019-20) held on 102
11th August, 2020.
II. Minutes of the Fourth sitting of the Committee (2020-21) held on 27th October, 106
2020.
III. Minutes of the Fifth sitting of the Committee (2020-21) held on 10th November, 112
2020.
Iv. Minutes of the Fifteenth sitting of the Committee (2020-21) held on 3rd February, 115
2021.

(ii)
COMPOSITION OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(2020-21)

Dr. Shashi Tharoor - Chairperson

Lok Sabha
2. Smt. Locket Chatterjee
3. Shri Karti P. Chidambaram
4. Shri Sunny Deol
5. Dr. Nishikant Dubey
6. Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse
7. Dr. Sukanta Majumdar
8. Shri Dhairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane
9. Ms. Mahua Moitra
10. Shri P. R. Natarajan
11. Shri Santosh Pandey
12. Shri Nisith Pramanik
13. Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
14. Dr. Gaddam Ranjith Reddy
15. *Shri Jayadev Galla
16. Shri Sanjay Seth
17. Shri Chandan Singh
18. Shri L.S. Tejasvi Surya
19. Dr. T. Sumathy (A) Thamizhachi Thangapandian
20. Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma
21. #Smt. Sumalatha Ambareesh
Rajya Sabha
22. Dr. Anil Agrawal
23. Dr. Subhash Chandra
24. Shri Y. S. Chowdary
25. Shri Shaktisinh Gohil
26. Shri Suresh Gopi
27. Shri Md. Nadimul Haque
28. Shri Syed Nasir Hussain
29. Shri Syed Zafar Islam
30. Dr. Narendra Jadhav
31. Shri Nabam Rebia
Secretariat

1. Shri Y. M. Kandpal - Joint Secretary

2. Dr. Sagarika Dash - Additional Director
3. Shri Shangreiso Zimik - Deputy Secretary
___________________________________________________________________
*Nominated to this Committee w.e.f. 15.10.2020 vide Bulletin Part-II dated
15.10.2020.
#Nominated to this Committee w.e.f. 28.12.2020 vide Bulletin Part-II dated
28.12.2020.

(iii)
 ABBREVIATIONS

3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

5G Fifth Generation
AR Augmented Reality
BBNL Bharat Broadband Network Limited
BIS Bureau of Indian Standards
BRI Broadband Readiness Index
CEWiT Centre of Excellence in Wireless Technology
CMRTS Captive Mobile Radio Trunking
CMSP Cellular Mobile Service Provider
COAI Cellular Operators Association of India
DoS Department of Space
DoT Department of Telecommunications
EMBB Enhanced Mobile Broadband
EMS Electronics Manufacturing Services
ER Essential Requirements
EU European Union
GHz Gigahertz
HLF High Level Forum
ICNIRP International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
ICRIER) Indian Council for Research on International Economic
Relations
IDRBT Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology
IMC Inter-Ministerial Committee
IMG Inter-Ministerial Group
IoT Internet of Things
ITU International Telecommunications Union
LMLC Low Mobility Large Cell
LSA Licensed Service Area
MHz Megahertz
MMTC Massive Machine Type Communications
MoD Ministry of Defence
M-SIPS Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme
MTCTE Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication
Equipment
NCCS National Centre for Communication Security
NDCP National Digital Communication Policy
NPV Net Present Value
OFC. Optical Fiber Cable
PLI Production Linked Incentive
PMP Phased Manufacturing Programme
RAN Radio Access Network
SMEs Small and medium Enterprises
SPECS Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic
Components and Semiconductors

(iv)
TAIPA Tower and Infrastructure Providers Association
TEC Telecom Engineering Centre
TEMA Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association of India
TRAI Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
TRDF Telecom Research and Development Fund
TSDSI Telecom Standards Development Society, India
TSP Telecom Service Provider
UASL Unified Access Service License
URLLC Ultra-reliable and Low-Latency Communications
VR Virtual Reality
WHO World Health Organization

(v)
 INTRODUCTION

I, the Chairperson, Standing Committee on Information Technology

(2020-21), having been authorized by the Committee do present the Twenty-first
Report on ‗India‘s Preparedness for 5G‘ relating to the Ministry of Communications
(Department of Telecommunications).

2. The Standing Committee on Information Technology (2019-20) selected this

subject for detailed examination and report to the Parliament. The examination of the
subject, however, could not be completed during the term of the Committee (2019-
20). Keeping in view the importance of the subject and the need for wider
consultation, the Standing Committee on Information Technology (2020-21) re-
selected the subject for further examination and report.

3. The representatives of the Ministry of Communications (Department of

Telecommunications) briefed the Committee on the subject on 11 th August, 2020.
The Committee heard the views of the industry bodies viz. Cellular Operators
Association of India (COAI) and Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association
(TEMA) on 11th August, 2020. The Committee heard the views of the Telecom
Service Providers (TSPs) viz. Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, Vodafone Idea Limited
and Bharti Airtel Limited on 27th October, 2020. The Committee took evidence of the
representatives of the Department of Telecommunications and Telecom Regulatory
Authority of India (TRAI) twice i.e. on 27th October, 2020 and 10th November, 2020.
The Committee also received written submissions from Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi,
Director, IIT, Madras and Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT, Kanpur.

4. The Committee at their sitting held on 3rd February, 2021 considered and
adopted the Report. The Committee wish to express their thanks to the
representatives of the Department of Telecommunications (Ministry of
Communications) and TRAI who tendered their evidence before the Committee and
furnished valuable information. The Committee also wish to express their thanks to
the representatives of COAI, TEMA, Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, Vodafone Idea
Limited and Bharti Airtel Limited for appearing before the Committee and furnishing

(vi)
written information/views, which was of great help in the examination of the subject.
The Committee further wish to express their sincere thanks to the two experts
namely, Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT, Madras and Prof. Abhay
Karandikar, Director, IIT, Kanpur for providing valuable inputs on the subject.

5. The Committee also place on record their appreciation for the invaluable
assistance rendered by the officials of Lok Sabha Secretariat attached to the
Committee.

6. For facility of reference and convenience the Observations/Recommendations

of the Committee have been printed in bold in Part-II of the Report.

New Delhi; DR. SHASHI THAROOR,

04 February, 2021 Chairperson,
15 Magha, 1942 (Saka) Standing Committee on
Information Technology.

(vii)
 Part-I
Narration Analysis

I. Introduction
India‘s history with wireless services began early. The first experimental
wireless telegraphy links were demonstrated as early as 1902. A Department of
Wireless Telegraph was created soon thereafter, and wireless telegraphy came into
routine use in Calcutta at Diamond Harbour in 1908. However, widespread use of
wireless technology had to wait for 90 more years. The first mobile phone service
was launched in 1985 on a non-commercial basis, but it was only in 1995 that
commercial service was started. The initial subscriber growth was modest, however
new policy initiatives, beginning 2007, spurred rapid growth with the subscriber base
reaching 560 million in 2009 and well over a billion by 2017. Early deployment of
mobile networks was based on 2G technology, with 3G technology entering service
in 2010 and 4G in 2016. All mobile services from 2G to 4G offered services based
on increasingly advanced phones, with smart phones arriving about a decade ago.

2. 2G and the early 3G networks primarily offered voice services, but beginning
with later 3G and now 4G technologies, the networks provide internet-based
services like video, email, and social media. 4G technology has been a major
inflexion in mobile technology with packet-switched data transmission and high-
speed connectivity. The 5G technology‘s main benefits such as high speed, low
latency, high connection density, greater reliability, and high energy savings are all
conducive to enable Digital India use cases such as smart cities, smart
manufacturing, smart agriculture, smart healthcare, to name a few.

II. 5G Technology: Next Generation of Mobile Communications

(i) Definition and Salient Features

3. The macro level requirements for 5G have been defined by the International
Telecommunications Union (ITU) in its ‗IMT 2020‘ specification. The 3GPP
(3rd Generation Partnership Project), an industry driven standardization body, that
has undertaken the standardization of mobile technologies for the past 25 years, is
currently in the process of developing standards for 5G networks based on the ITU

1
requirements. 5G is a new member of the vast global telecommunications
ecosystem. The four major components of this ecosystem are Standards
Development, Equipment Design and IP Development, Manufacturing and Service
Provision. 5G standardization and deployment are at nascent stage and the
technology is likely to reign the next decade or more considering its relevance
across industry verticals. 5G will extend the use of wireless technologies, for the
first time, across completely new sectors of the economy. 5G will enable both
existing and new wireless service providers to develop novel business models to
offer innovative applications to individuals and to different economic verticals from
industrial, commercial, educational, healthcare, agricultural, financial and social
sectors.
(ii) Advantages of 5G vis-à-vis other technologies

4. The Department of Telecommunications in a written note have explained the

advantages of 5G over other technology like 4G as under:

―4G was designed to provide the high speed internet facility. However, 5G
has been designed to provide additional features which are not available
in 4G. The 5G technology is capable of provisioning of diverse services in
the intended three usage scenarios enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB),
ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive
machine type communications (mMTC) as well as support for features like
network slicing, edge computing etc. 5G systems will outperform previous
generation 4G systems. It is expected to support the following parameter
values vis-à-vis 4G:

Sl. No. Parameter 4G 5G

1. User experienced data rate 10 100
(Downlink - Megabits per
second)
2. Connection density (million 0.1 1
connections per square
kilometer)
3. End-to-end latency (radio 10 1 (For specific
interface - milli seconds) usage scenario of
URLLC)

4. Mobility 350 500 (For specific

in kilo meter per hour usage scenario)

2
 5. Area Traffic Capacity (Megabits 0.1 10
per second per square meter)

5G in future is expected to be revolutionary for data-driven industries,

smart cities and smart manufacturing because it will be possible to have
many more devices working, reliably, securely and uninterrupted in the
same area. 5G public / private network may also be used in Industrial
automation / smart manufacturing.

In essence, unlike 4G whose main focus was only on mobile broadband,

5G has been designed with a plethora of use cases for the next decade.‖
5. Providing further insights into the 5G technology, Director, IIT Kanpur has
submitted as under:

―The Fifth Generation (5G) mobile communication technology is a

paradigm shift in the field of communications as it not only enables human
to human communications but machine to machine communications in a
digitally connected world with a variety of use cases. There are three key
use cases of 5G. One of them, of course, is mobile broadband with very
high throughput up to 20 Gbps, also called ‗enhanced Mobile Broadband
(eMBB)‘. This will provide substantial increase in broadband throughput
over that of 4G. The other two important use cases of 5G are ‗Ultra-high
Reliable Low Latency (URLLC)‘ and ‗Massive Machine Type
Communications (MMTC)‘. These additional use cases result in a huge
diversity of applications, which cannot be supported by previous
generations of the mobile technology such as 4G. Significantly enhanced
capabilities than those of 4G are possible in 5G. These are in terms of
spectral efficiency, which can be as high as 30 bps/Hz, very low latency of
less than a couple of milliseconds and very high-speed mobility support of
up to 500 km/hour.

A key scenario for 5G technology is to support massive machine to

machine communication (MMTC), or communication between appliances,
devices or machines without intervention of human beings. While the
earlier generations of telecom technology enabled human to human or
human to machine communications, 5G would unleash massive machine
to machine communication by connecting a large number of devices.
These Internet of Things (IoT) applications will transform many sectors
such as Transport, Agriculture, Healthcare, Power grid etc.

The ultra-low latency and reliable communication (URLLC) is another

capability offered by 5G enabling newer applications such as vehicle to
vehicle communication, remote robot assisted surgery, mission critical
communication, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) etc. Some of
these, for example, vehicle to vehicle communication, also called the V2X

3
 communication, may not require high speed data access but needs
extremely low latency or response time. Similarly, applications such as
robotic surgeries require very low latency coupled with high reliability of
communication. Some other applications like AR or VR may not only need
high speed data access but low latency communication as well.‖

6. He further submitted that the applications enabled by URLLC, MMTC along

with high speed connectivity or mobile broadband will bring a significant change in
the communications landscape. As the world moves towards more and more
digitalization, 5G will help create an ‗all-pervasive digital world‘ where most of the
appliances, equipment and gadgets will be connected. 5G technology will not only
be used in telecom but in other sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, transport as
well. While these developments are expected to transform the society, they also
pose new challenges from cyber security and national strategic perspective.

7. As per TRAI, 5G is the latest iteration of cellular technology that will provide
seamless coverage, high data rate, low latency, and highly reliable communications.
It will increase energy efficiency, spectrum efficiency, network efficiency as well as
efficiency of other systems. 5G will have use cases in many sectors such as health,
smart cities, Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0, Emergency, disaster and public safety,
Education, Transport etc.

8. In order to create an enabling environment for timely roll out of 5G in India,

TRAI released a White Paper on ‗Enabling 5G in India. This White Paper highlights
the specifications of the 5G technology, discusses the potential use cases and
architecture of 5G network, deliberates those areas that will require investment for
5G deployment, covers the spectrum requirement for 5G network for the deployment
of 5G in India.

4
(iii) Benefit and Relevance for India
9. The relevance of 5G for India as contained in the Report ‗Making India 5G
Ready‘ is as under:

―5G Relevance to India 5G has been designed for global adoption with
flexibility to support wide number of applications. Its adoption in India will
involve many use cases adopted widely in the world, but also some
unique applications to suit India‘s needs. 5G‘s value for India may be even
higher than in advanced countries because of the lower levels of
investments in physical infrastructure. 5G may offer ‗leapfrog‘
opportunities by providing ‗smart infrastructure‘ that offers lower cost and
faster infrastructure delivery. A good example of this leap frog effect, in the
past, was in telephony. India‘s telephone density till the late 1990s
remained small due to high cost fixed line telephony. However, the arrival
of mobile networks vastly reduced cost of service delivery and the
country‘s telephone penetration went from less than 5% in 1995 to 95% by
2010, bringing striking benefits to the Indian economy.
A more recent example of a leapfrog effect is ride sharing made possible
by wireless internet access on 4G smart phones. Shared ride hailing
services have transformed the infrastructure efficiencies in utilization of
shared cars, autos and motor cycles. Though still early in its growth,
vehicle sharing promises significant infrastructure value.
5G technologies will offer even more opportunities in infrastructure
efficiencies. For example, 5G will enable ‗vehicle platooning‘, a technology
that exploits 5G‘s low latency communication capability to pack vehicles
into platoons with low inter-vehicle spacing despite travelling at high
speeds. 5G will allow rapid coordination between the vehicles and keep
the vehicles in the platoon safe. Platooning can double vehicle density in
roads promoting efficient and safer use of the limited road infrastructure.
In manufacturing,5G will enable use of robotics for precision
manufacturing, particularly where humans cannot perform these functions
safely or with the necessary precision. 5G can also enable better logistics
to track goods from raw materials to product delivery and improved
sharing of expensive design and manufacturing resources across the
country.

In agriculture, 5G can enable improvement in the entire value-chain, from

precision farming, smart irrigation, improved soil and crop monitoring, to
live stock management.
In the energy sector, ‗smart grids‘ and ‗smart metering‘ can be efficiently
supported enabling growth of alternate energy technologies. With the rise
of renewable and storage technologies, low latency communications will be
critical to manage these grids.

5
 In health-care, 5G can enable more effective tele-medicine delivery, tele-
control of surgical robotics and wireless monitoring of vital statistics.

With over 300 million in the Indian middle class living in urban areas, a
variety of 5G business models for new services are likely to be successful.
However, the economically weaker sections of the population will need
special help to benefit from5G technologies. Clearly, it is this segment of
population living in smaller towns and villages that require special attention
from India‘s 5G initiatives.‖

(iv) Race for 5G Around the World

10. As per TRAI, globally, 118 operators in 59 countries have deployed 5G

network. 5G ecosystem is currently available in the following three bands:
Lower Band: 700 MHz band (Put to auction in 2016, remains unsold). [Globally 7
operators have deployed 5G in this band]

Mid Band: 3300-3600 MHz band (TRAI has recommended, yet to be auctioned).
[Globally 82 operators have deployed 5G in this band]

mmWave Band: 26 GHz Band and 28 GHz band (Spectrum band yet to be declared
in India). [Globally more than 8 operators have deployed 5G in this
band]

11. As per GSA September, 2020 Report (https://gsacom.com/paper/5G-

networks-member-report-september-2020/), over 100 commercial 5G networks are
now launched worldwide. These networks are mainly in USA & Canada, UK (United
Kingdom) and EU (European Union). As per information from GSM Association, 5G
services has received major stride in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Finland,
Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,
Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab
Emirates, United Kingdom and USA.

12. Director, IIT Kanpur in his submission to the Committee stated as under:

―Globally, close to 100 commercial launches of 5G technology have taken

place across different countries. As on date, the 5G network covers
around 7% of the world population. It is expected to cover 20% of the
world population by the year 2025.Major countries and geographies where
5G technology have already been launched are America – USA, Canada,
Europe – UK and many countries under European Union such as Sweden,

6
 Finland, Norway, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, Hungary etc., Asia
Pacific – China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand,
Philippines, Middle East – UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait,
Bahrain and Africa – South Africa. Mostly, these are partial launches, i.e.,
5G has been launched in parts of each of these countries. Countries in
Asia Pacific like South Korea, Japan and China have witnessed sizeable
growth in 5G deployments and possibly they are ahead of the curve. It
appears that so far China has already deployed more than 5 lakh 5G base
stations covering around 7-8% of their population.‖

13. The Committee enquired whether any effort has been made by the
Department to study the experience gained by them. To this query, the Department
have replied that DoT have planned for India specific use case trials through
Licensed Telecom Service Providers. The Department have also informed the
Committee that DoT have not signed any agreements specifically for cooperation in
5G technology with other countries. However, cooperation in 5G technology is one
of areas of cooperation in the Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) signed with
Cambodia, Myanmar, South Korea and Vietnam in field of Communications.

14. The Department of Telecommunications have furnished the comparative

chart for roll out of 2G, 3G, 4g and 5G as under:-

Technology 2G 3G 4G 5G
Global Deployment 1991 1998 2008 2019
Indian Deployment 1995 2008 2015 -

III. India‘s Preparedness for 5G Ecosystem

(i) DoT High Level Forum on 5G

15. 5G High Level Forum (HLF) was set up by the Government under
Chairmanship of Secretary DoT, Secretary, MeitY and Secretary, Department of
Science & Technology as Co–chairs with Members from Academia and Industry etc.
in September 2017 to articulate the vision for 5G in India and to recommend policy
initiatives and action plans to realize this vision. 5G HLF has given its report titled
―Making India 5G Ready‖ to the Government in August 2018. The HLF has
recommended that India should embrace opportunity by deploying 5G networks

7
early, effectively and pervasively as well as emerge as a significant innovator and
technology supplier at the global level. For implementation of recommendations of
HLF, DoT has constituted Expert Committee on Spectrum Policy, Regulatory policy,
Education And Awareness Programme, Application and Use case Labs,
Development of Application Layer Standards, Major Trials and Technology
Demonstrations and Participation in International Standards. DoT along with MeitY,
DST and other stakeholders is still working for the implementations of ―Making India
5G Ready‖ recommendations.
16. On being asked about the level of preparedness for 5G, the Department have
informed that so far following action have been taken for 5G deployment:

(i) Recommendations of HLF have been included in National Digital

Communications Policy 2018.
(ii) National Broadband Mission has been set up.
(iii) Setting up of ―End to End 5G Test Bed‖ with investment of Rs. 224 crores
under IIT Madras led multi Academic/ Research institute consortium for
testing of 5G products by startups/Small and medium Enterprises (SMEs).
(iv) Liberalised guidelines for experimental spectrum was issued on 23rd July
2019.
(v) First Use case lab at Institute for Development and Research in Banking
Technology (IDRBT), Hyderabad has been set up in Banking and Financial
sector.
(vi) 5G spectrum has been identified and being coordinated with concerned
agencies.
(vii) Conferences are being supported for awareness on 5G and skill
development.

17. The Department have further replied that they are prepared for trials of India
specific Use cases. DoT have organized 5G Hackathon and have short listed 100
Use cases for further development. 30 out of 100, Use cases will be demonstrated
along with TSPs to learn 5G Use cases and rollout challenges. The launch of 5G
services is dependent of availability of network equipment and device ecosystem.
5G is expected to be launched in the year 2021-22.

8
18. However, during the course of deliberation, the industry body COAI informed
the Committee that India has to do a lot of catching up so far as 5G deployment is
concerned. Though the approach to 5G Policy requirements in India was already
finalized in the 5G High Level Forum (5GHLF) Report released by DoT in August
2018, minimal on-ground actions/ implementation instructions have been issued so
far. Action in areas such as identification of spectrum band, decision on spectrum
policy etc. are still to be initiated. The 5G Trial applications were submitted by the
TSPs in the month of January 2020, however, till date the guidelines for trials have
not been made clear and there is no set date for commencement of these trials.
Instructions for conduct of trials for 5G technologies need to be issued at the
earliest.
19. Regarding the timeline for rolling out of 5G, Secretary, DoT, submitted during
the sitting as under:

―The 5G technology will initially ride on the 4G technology. It is not that

one fine day 5G will come and replace all 4G. That is not so. The releases
which are happening in 3GPP – release 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 like that – release
15 is what generally taken to be as 5G features. But different countries will
adopt different parts of the features and what is more likely is that in the
initial years, the core and radio access network which are two separate
things - the core will be of 4G and the radio access network will be 5G. 5G
has various applications. One of the most early applications which will be
in large metros will be on Enhanced Mobile Broadband (EMBB) which will
give users better mobile experience in terms of talking, download, and
more reliability. What we are seeking is not just EMBB. It is important, but
we think the real strength of this technology is in social use applications, in
the field of health, education, agriculture, disaster management, public
safety, traffic management, etc. So, this is going to be our focus because
between 4G and 5G for faster speed I think user may not be able to
distinguish. Sir, we do realize that it is a tough road ahead and we have to
work to make sure that 5G in India comes in near future. Our own
assessment would be regarding the specific time frame that somewhere
by the end of 2021 and it is not that I am saying this based on any study
which we have undertaken, but I am going by the logic that this will have
to be preceded by auction of 5G. Right now, what we are going to have is
auction for bands other than 3.3 to 3.6 but this band will also be auctioned
somewhere in the next six months or so. After that, spectrum will be
available. In parallel, various companies would be benefiting using 5G and
would be making their investments. It will be rolled out not pan-India but in
select areas first where the demand would justify the capex.‖

9
 20. During the course of examination of the subject, the Committee came across
numerous issues and challenges as submitted by various stakeholders and experts.
These need to be addressed in war footing if the vision of 5G is to be achieved. The
Committee will now deal these issues in detail.

IV. Spectrum Related Issues

(i) Availability of Spectrum for 5G

21. The Department have informed that they intend to make available 5G
spectrum in various bands in line with global ecosystem. The Telecom Regulatory
Authority of India (TRAI) had given their recommendation for the auction of spectrum
in the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz,
3300-3400 MHz and 3400-3600 MHz bands on 01.08.2018 for providing mobile
services. Digital Communications Commission has decided to hold auction of 3300-
3600 MHz band separately. The opening up of the mmWave bands viz. 26 GHz etc.
for IMT Services/5G is under deliberations.

22. Secretary, DoT, stated during evidence as under:

―The bandwidth of 3,300 MHz. to 3,600 MHz. is not yet used in the 2G, 3G
and 4G. It is envisaged to be used for 5G, but that does not mean that 5G
will not use other spectrum bands. So, 5G would also come in 700 MHz.,
800 MHz., 900 MHz. bands in the time to come. 5G would also be coming
in what are called the millimeter wave bands, which are 24.25 GHz. to
27.5 GHz. Sir, that is also where the international ecosystem is coming up.
Currently, the Digital Communications Commission has decided that the
auction of 3,300 MHz. to 3,600 MHz. bands will be delinked from the other
auctions. So, we are now preparing a Cabinet Note for auctions in other
bands like 700 MHz., 800 MHz., 900 MHz., 1,800 MHz., and 3,300 MHz.
to 3,600 MHz. bands will be considered separately. There is also an issue
in this matter as part of the spectrum is being used by ISRO. So, that 25
MHz. has been taken away. There is also a band of about 100 MHz.
between 3,300 MHz. to 3,400 MHz., which is to be used along with
Defence. So, Defence has written now to us to allocate this entire band to
them. We are in discussion with them because if we give this band to
Defence, then what is available for 5G would just be about 175 MHz.,
which may not be sufficient for different vendors to actually give their
services. We are holding discussions with them, and hopefully we will
come with some solution on this issue.‖

10
23. As per COAI countries are identifying spectrum in sub-GHz, Mid band
(3.5GHz) & mmWave bands for 5G deployment. India at present does not have
sufficient spectrum earmarked for 5G in any of these bands as many other
stakeholders are seeking spectrum in the 5G bands recommended by the 5GHLF as
well as also being commercially deployed in other countries. To make India 5G
ready at the earliest, Government needs to allocate at least the following spectrum
per operator:
a. 3.5GHz : at least 100MHz per operator.
b. Mm Wave (26, 28, 37 GHz): at least 400MHz per operator.
c. Sub-GHz (600MHz & 700MHz): at least 2x10MHz per operator in each
of these bands.
d. E-Band: at least 2x1GHz per operator.
e. V-Band: at least 1GHz per operator.

24. Bharti Airtel in a written submission to Committee have submitted as under:

―In India, only the 3.5 GHz band (3.4-3.6 GHz) has been earmarked for 5G
services, with just 175 MHz of spectrum being available for5G. In contrast,
the sector needs a minimum of 300-500 MHz spectrum availability in this
band. Apart from 3.5 GHz, other bands e.g. mmWave (26GHz) band and
600 MHz band, can be used for 5G services. However, the same is yet to
be earmarked in India. India must consider the allocation of mmWave
band (i.e. 26 GHz) for 5G and make it a part of the auction along with the
3.4-3.6 GHz band. For rural penetration, the spectrum in the 600 MHz
band should be identified and earmarked for 5G.‖
25. A representative of a Telecom Service Provider (TSP) further submitted
during evidence as under:
―In India we are talking about only 175 MHz of spectrum that is right now
having visibility for the 3.5 GHz spectrum, which means that every
operator gets close to or less than 50 MHz spectrum, which is not
sufficient. The second point is, the millimeter wave spectrum, which is the
capacity spectrum, has yet to be identified. So, certainly there is need for
getting the spectrum identified.‖

26. Explaining the impact of allocating less amount of spectrum, representative of

a TSP during the sitting of the Committee stated as under:
―On spectrum, our humble submission to the Committee is that there
should be the right amount of spectrum at the right prices as per the global
practices. For example, the famous 3.5GHz of spectrum which we call as
sub-6 band in 5G, almost every operator across the globe has 100MHz of
it. There are some exceptions with 80MHz of it but if we go lower than

11
 80MHz, there are equipment on which we will spend billions of Dollars, I
think, it would be a severe underutilisation of that. It is like buying a car
and working it with one particular seat because the other three seats are
not available. The equipment itself will be severely underutilised.‖

27. He had further commented as under:

―On an average, our 4G spectrum per operator is not more than one fourth
of what any other operators across the globe has. That is not the only
problem. The other problem is our footfall not only that we have 25 per
cent of the spectrum, we have three and a half to four times people per sq.
kms. So, you have four times more people and you have four times less
spectrum which means the spectrum available to one person is 1/16. The
number of customer is four to five times and that is again making the point
that if we go the same way in 5G where everybody else is getting 100
MHz and we are getting 50 MHz and we have three or four times more
customers, we will again be pegged at a much lower level saying that
Indian customer will get four times less than what he is getting in US.‖
28. When the Secretary, DoT, was asked to clarify on the issue, he stated as
under:
―Insofar as the spectrum availability is concerned, typically, we are talking
of 5G spectrum as the band which is between 3.3 and 3.6 gigahertz. I had
also flagged this issue last time. Of these 300 megahertz, which are
available, 25 megahertz are required for certain satellite uses, which TRAI
also said that we should give them with a suggestion that beyond the
footprint of the use, the available spectrum -- even out of this 25-
megahertz -- should be used wherever we can for our various
experimental and trial purposes. Now, out of the balance 275 megahertz,
about 100 megahertz -- between 3.3 and 3.4 gigahertz -- Defence is also
wanting a part of it. So, we are having discussions with them. Two
meetings have been held. A very positive response has come. I am sure
this issue will be resolved. If this is deducted, then 175 megahertz are
available to us. If this is added, then 275 megahertz are available. There
are four players. Ideally, we should have about 300 megahertz. We are
also trying to see if we can get a little more, that is, beyond 3.6. There we
have a problem, because that is already committed for satellite usage.
There is also millimetre wave, which has not yet gone to TRAI for
recommendations. The auction, right now, is not thought of. No
recommendation has come. There will be a consultation process. So, I
would like to assure the hon. Committee that we will take a balanced view
and a holistic view and see how best the interest of the industry, consumer
and the public which is prime and supreme is balanced and then we will
act accordingly.‖

12
29. Asked how the Department are addressing the issue of lack of spectrum, the
Department have stated that they are deliberating with Department of Space (DoS)
and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for making sufficient spectrum available for 5G
IMT services. Further DoT is working on sharing/ coexistence of spectrum uses in
different spectrum bands including 3300-3600 MHz band and 24.25-27.5 GHz band.

(ii) Spectrum Audit

30. Licensed Service Area (LSA) is a concept to dynamically share a spectrum

band, whenever and wherever it is unused by the incumbent users. Shared use of
the spectrum is only allowed based on an individual authorization (i.e. licensed). All
the Government agencies in India are assigned spectrum administratively. Spectrum
audit will help in identification of unutilized or inefficiently utilized spectrum. After the
identification, LSA can be used for optimal utilization of spectrum.

31. Asked as to whether any spectrum audit had been conducted in the county
to suggest measures for efficient and best utilization of spectrum in India, TRAI
stated that Spectrum is a scarce resource. Any amount of spectrum, if not put to use
optimally and efficiently, results not only into financial loss to the Government, but
also hinders economic and social development of the country. Spectrum allocation
and spectrum management is done by DoT. Spectrum is also used by various
Government agencies where its effective and efficient utilization needs to be
measured. Therefore, spectrum audit is required to be done to detect under-
utilization and to make effective and efficient utilization of this natural resource.
Since 2015, TRAI in its various recommendations, has raised its concerns and has
recommended to DoT that there is an urgent need for audit of all allocated spectrum
both commercial as well as spectrum allocated to various PSUs / Government
organizations. Government decision in the matter is awaited. Considering the
importance of the spectrum audit, it should be done on priority basis by an
independent agency regularly.

13
(iii) High Spectrum Price in the Country

32. COAI has submitted that TRAI earmarked spectrum in 3.3-3.6 GHz band for
5G. TRAI recommended the reserve price at INR 492 crore per MHz which is far
higher than the auctioned spectrum price in other country. Minimum block of 20 MHz
(Price for a block of 20 MHz will be Rs.9,840 crore). Minimum 80 MHz per TSP
(Price will be INR 39,360 crores per operator).

33. Commenting on the present spectrum pricing policy, representative of TEMA

during the sitting stated as under:
―I believe that the policy of spectrum which we are holding in our country is
of inverted structure. We expect raw material to be purchased at the
highest price and the product should be rolled out at the minimum price
which is absolutely inverted structure. I would like to say that when
Government thinks about it, the ultimate idea should be to take it from the
taxes, take it from the growth, not from the raw material.‖

34. Bharti Airtel submitted a comparative statement of the TRAI recommended

Reserve Price in India vis-à-vis the auctioned discovered spectrum price in other
countries in the 3.5 GHz band, both in absolute and relative terms as under:
Spectrum Price in India is x times the
price in other countries
In Basic Basic
Country Auction
Absolute Spectru Spectru
determine
Terms m m
d price (in
Price/Po Price/Po
Cr/MHz)
pulation/ pulation/
GDP per ARPU
capita
182 3 2 1
Italy
70 7 6 3
UK
35 14 6 3
Australia
14 35 16 12
Spain
7 70 10 3
Austria
492 1 1 1
India

14
35. They have submitted that the recommended price of TRAI for India is
exorbitantly higher and ranges from 3-70 times of the market-determined price of the
spectrum in other countries in absolute terms and is 16 times of the price in the case
of comparison in relative terms. Therefore, even if the price is compared after
considering the Population and GDP per Capita / ARPU, the TRAI recommended
reserve price in India is substantially higher than the auction determined price in
other countries. Moreover, to roll out 5G, any TSP will require a minimum of 100
MHz spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band, which will cost around Rs. 50,000 Crores, even
at TRAI recommended reserve price, thus making it too costly a proposition for the
TSPs. Thus, to ensure the off-take of 5G services in India, the spectrum‘s pricing
should be kept moderate. There is a need to strike a balance between the
Government's expectation to generate revenue from the auction and growth of the
sector and the overarching impact of 5G across the sectors. This is also critical since
the monthly ARPU in India is under two dollars. India has one of the lowest ARPU in
the world. While this can be seen as the telecom services are most affordable in
India, below- cost pricing of services will only stifle the telecom sector and deprive
the customers of good quality service and new technologies e.g., 5G. Hence, the
necessary steps need to be taken to ensure adequate ARPU for the TSPs.

36. On the issue, representative of a TSP submitted as under:

―For one-fourth of the spectrum, there are four times more footfalls but
then one-eighth the ARPU. That is another point. I think we should add to
the equation. One-fourth, one-fourth and one-eighth is where the Indian
telecom is right now.‖

37. Asked as to whether any consultations have been held with the various
Stakeholders before giving the recommendations on 5G spectrum pricing, the
Department have stated that before giving its recommendations on "Auction of
Spectrum in 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500
MHz, 3300-3400 MHz and 3400-3600 MHz bands", which included 3300-3600 MHz
band (globally adopted for 5G), TRAI has consulted with stakeholders and in this
regard a consultation Paper was issued by TRAI on 28th August 2017 for the

15
comments of the stakeholders. The pricing methodology adopted by TRAI is given in
the TRAI recommendation dated 1st August, 2018.

38. On pricing of spectrum, Secretary, DoT during the sitting stated as under:-
―TRAI has given recommendations even for 3,300 MHz. to 3,600 MHz.
This was considered and taken up in the Digital Communications
Commission. It was referred back to TRAI, but they have reiterated the
same prices and they have done very detailed analysis of it. All the
telecom players do get an opportunity to give their viewpoints as TRAI has
public consultation, etc. So, TRAI has given a very detailed report on this
issue. The Digital Communications Commission has accepted what TRAI
has said, but we have not yet finalised the prices because the prices are
finalised by a Cabinet decision. We have not yet gone to the Cabinet, and
prices have not been finalised.‖

39. Representative of TRAI has further stated as under:

―If we compare a country which is equivalent to the size of a State in India

and compare price of whole of India, I think, it is not an apple to apple
comparison. But nevertheless, there are 7-8 well-defined international
parameters. One has to judge the price based on those parameters…..I
think a statement that the price of TRAI is very high requires some more
in-depth deep dive so that we can reach to a conclusion.‖
40. On the reasons for high spectrum cost in the country, the Department
submitted that the sector regulator, TRAI, have recommended the reserve price of
spectrum in different bands including 3300-3600 MHz band (mid-band for 5G in
industry parlance) after due considerations of all the aspects of it and due
consultation with the stakeholders. Department‘s proposals for auction of spectrum
in various bands including reserve price, after due consideration of TRAI
recommendation, will be placed before the Cabinet, for a decision.

41. The Committee also enquired about the measures taken by the Department
to help the telcos to ease the burden of high spectrum cost. The Department replied
that pursuant to the recommendations of Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) on ―Stressed
assets in Telecom Sector‖, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) had been given a
one-time opportunity to opt for higher number of installments (16) instead of the
previously permitted 10 installments in respect of spectrum auction deferred
payment, subject to the Net Present Value (NPV) being protected. Considering the
16
stress in the sector, the Government has given an option to the Telecom Service
Providers (TSPs) to defer payment of the spectrum auction installments due for
2020-21 and 2021-22, either for one or both years. All the operational TSPs have
generally opted for moratorium of 2 years. Deferment of spectrum auction
installments will ease the cash outflow of the stressed TSPs and facilitate payment
of statutory liabilities and interest on bank loans.

42. When asked whether the AGR issues will have any impact on the TSPs to bid
for 5G, COAI have stated that apart from the AGR issue, there is a need to
rationalize other levies and duties on the telecom sector so as to ease their financial
burden. Key asks including providing soft loans against GST input line credit due to
Operators, to address the immediate liquidity crunch as also reducing the SUC by
3% for all TSPs and reducing Licence Fee (USOF Contribution) from 8% to 3%.
Exempt the levy of GST on payments to the government such as License Fees,
SUC and Payment of Spectrum debt acquired in auctions. They also seek
exemption of service tax on the amount of LF/SUC payable by telecom operators
before implementation of GST, in compliance with the Hon‘ble Supreme Court AGR
Order. We believe that sector can be compensated from the USO Fund, which is
estimated to be more than Rs. 51,500 crore, lying unutilised as on March 31, 2020.
The industry can be provided the refund of the unutilized input tax credit immediately
or be provided soft loans at MCLR rate, using the GST input credit as collateral.

(iv) Spectrum for Industrial Use

43. TEMA had submitted before the Committee that industry 4.0 is the main
driver for 5G. Many countries around the world, be it the US, Germany, UK and
Australia, all have allocated spectrum for the industrial development of 5G which is
lacking in India. For example, in Germany, Mercedes is setting up a factory entirely
based on 5G, famously known as ‗Factory 56‘ around the world, but the German
Government has separately allocated the spectrum for that. In the same way, the US
has done it and the UK has done it. Every country is setting apart spectrum and
laying out policies for industrial growth of that country using 5G. In India,

17
unfortunately, we have a very double licensing system that for a factory to set up any
system of its own, they have a two-year long process, first to get a license and then
to get a spectrum which is really not very conducive to supplying the 5G equipment
to the industries.

44. Asked to explain the term Industry 4.0, the Department have stated that
Industry 4.0 is rooted in the concept of advanced manufacturing, also called Smart
Manufacturing. Industry 4.0 based solutions enable better interoperability, more
flexible industrial processes, and autonomous and intelligent manufacturing.
Physical components of industrial production are being transformed into cyber
physical systems by smart, digital networking, allowing for real-time management of
production processes across great distances and products. DoT has not received
any specific request/ demand for allocating spectrum for industry 4.0 uses.

45. On the present policy governing spectrum allocation for industrial uses in the
country, the Department replied that currently, based on requests in this regard,
industries are assigned spectrum, administratively, for their captive use in India.

46. TEMA has submitted that spectrum for industrial 4.0 uses be released
immediately. TEMA has further stated regulators around the world have realised the
importance of captive communications by their industries and enterprises and have
been proactively working towards making the necessary spectrum resources
available for their captive needs, keeping in view the importance of these users in
nation building and economic growth. TEMA would request that DOT may take the
lead and ask TRAI to conduct for a public consultation on spectrum needs and
issues for captive users. TEMA also requests that a group be formed to work out
policy for spectrum allocation and operation of 5G for 4.0 industrial uses.

47. Further elaborating on the issue, TEMA in a written note have submitted that
Captive users of mobile wireless communications are industries, police, paramilitary,
fire, forestry and mining, municipal corporations and public utilities as well as critical

18
infrastructure services projects such as railways, metros, airports, sea ports,
refineries, highways, etc. They apply to WPC/DOT for three licenses- CMRTS
(Captive Mobile Radio Trunking Services) License, spectrum license and import
licenses. These projects are lifeline of the Country‘s economic development, Public
safety, Industrial development and logistics and are critical to support Atam Nirbhar
Bharat. The process of obtaining the necessary DOT/WPC approvals for such users
typically takes between six months to two years. The main delay is in issue of a
CMRTS license and also because of the sequential nature of the process where
three separate licenses have to be taken from DOT one after the other rather than
as single approval or as a parallel process.

48. Currently captive users like police, paramilitary, metros, airports, refineries,
factories etc. have to take a CMRTS license before they can apply for a DOT
spectrum license. These captive users only need wireless spectrum for their
―captive‖ use only and no telecom service is being provided by them to the public or
to anyone else. Thus, in principle, it appears there should be no need for a separate
CMRTS license under Section 4 of the Indian telegraph act as these users do not
provide any service to any customers and the wireless network is 100% used for
internal communications and coordination purposes such as security, safety and
logistics. In June 2018, the TRAI had recommended that DoT should do away with
CMRTS license. TEMA requests that the CMRTS (Captive Mobile Radio Trunking)
License may merged with the WPC spectrum license and that there needs to be a
simplified process where the users directly apply for spectrum to WPC, instead of
first going through an elaborate CMRTS licensing process with DoT and then
applying for spectrum to WPC. This will cut down the process time substantially.

49. TEMA have further stated that it is critically important that radio spectrum for
all captive users that share the primary mission to protect lives and property and
help the Country to prosper is made available under a permanent administrative
allocation process. Spectrum authorizations need to be based on relatively simple
application policies that require only nominal administrative fees from the agencies
and organization that require use of the spectrum for ―private‖, non-commercial

19
 communications networks. Consistent with the administrative policies of Countries
around the world, the authorization process for private networks need be
distinguished from the competitive bidding ―spectrum auctions‖ that are commonly
used to authorize commercial wireless networks that provide telecommunications
services to the public at large on a for-profit basis.

V. 5G Test Bed, Use Case and 5G Field Trials

(i) Setting up of Indigenous 5G Test Bed

50. Keeping in view India‘s specific requirements and to take lead in 5G

deployment, Department of Telecommunications (DoT) approved financial grant for
the multi-institute collaborative project to set up ‗Indigenous 5G Test Bed‘ (Building
an end to end 5G Test Bed) in India in March 2018 with total cost of Rs. 224.01
Crore. The test bed is expected to be ready by October, 2021. The eight
collaborating institutes in the project are IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Madras,
IIT Delhi, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IISc Bangalore, Society for
Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER) and Centre of
Excellence in Wireless Technology (CEWiT). The test bed is likely to enhance
national capability in telecom technology, develop indigenous Intellectual Property
(IP) and give fillip to Indian telecom manufacturers.

51. The main goals of ‗Indigenous 5G Test Bed‘ are to provide an open 5G test
bed that can enable Indian academia and industry to validate their products,
prototypes and algorithms and demonstrate various services, provide a test bed with
complete access for research teams to work on new novel concepts/ideas holding
potential for standardization in India and on global scale., make a test bed available
for Indian operators to understand the working of 5G technologies along with
security aspects and plan their future networks, provide the facilities of 5G networks
for experimenting and demonstrating applications / use cases of importance to
Indian society, and implement and demonstrate IoT based systems and services.

20
52. The test bed is planned to be realized in stages over 4 versions – version 0
(V0) to version 3 (V3). The initial two stages have been completed. The design of
next version (V2) has started. Significant progress has been made by the Institutes
in system hardware and algorithm design. It is anticipated that the third version
(version 2) will be completed by March, 2021 and final version (version 3) by
October, 2021. During 2020-21, Rs.45 crore have been allotted out of which
Rs.3.1855 crore has been disbursed and utilized. It is expected that the balance
fund shall be utilized within the stipulated time.

53. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown and closure of the
academic institutions, the work of hardware design, fabrication and testing was
adversely affected. Although software development is on track, the testing and
integration of the software with hardware requiring physical presence in the lab have
been delayed. The test bed is likely to be set up by October 2021. Asked as to which
other countries have successfully set up 5G test beds, the Department have
informed the Committee that US, UK, European Union, Sweden, Finland, Thailand,
China, Japan and South Korea are some of the countries which have announced the
launch of 5G. The term ―Test Bed‖ is being used somewhat loosely in many of these,
and they are better classified as ―field trials‖. Ready-for-market products of MNCs
are being deployed in a limited manner to show-case 5G capabilities in these field
trials. Only a select few of these Test Beds are meant for experimentation, validation
of new ideas and products, and performance evaluation.

54. The Department further informed India‘s effort is unique with special focus on
setting up a test bed that will be utilized by Academia, Industry, Telecom Operators
and Start-ups to develop solutions and use cases which can be India-specific. Going
forward, this will raise India‘s visibility in the Global Forums and Standardization
bodies. Hence, a comparison between our test bed and others may not be possible.

55. Regarding the project, Director, IIT, Kanpur submitted that the ‗5G Testbed‘
project is focussed on developing IPRs in the country in the 5G technology space.
The initiative is likely to lead to spin-offs that may be taken forward by telecom start-

21
ups and other industrial organizations for product development in the 5G domain.
Some of the IPRs generated by this project can also be utilized for product
development for the defence sector of the country. The ‗5G Testbed‘ should lead to
further research and standardization activities under 3GPP and IEEE from India.

56. Director, IIT, Madras also expressed hope that technology spin-offs from this
Test Bed will enable Indian industry and startups to enter the Indian and global
markets for 5G telecom equipment, thus addressing a critical gap in our economic
and national security.

57. On the progress of 5G Test Bed, Secretary, DoT during evidence stated as
under:
―They have been progressing very well…..The timelines for completing
this were September-October, 2020. In fact, we had a very big event,
Indian Mobile Congress in October, 2020 and we thought that this the time
we will formally have the Testbed absolutely ready. Then the technology
would take another six months or so after that. But, due to Covid-19, all
this has been delayed. Now what I am told is that a Testbed will be ready
by March-April, 2021 and the technology which they are developing will
take another six months or so after that…..The timelines could be
compressed. But I think that they are progressing well.‖

(ii) Setting up of 5G Use Case Labs

58. DoT is working with different Ministries/Departments for setting up of India
specific Use Case labs in Education, Health care, Agriculture, Public safety, FinTech
etc. So far, Institute of Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT),
an Institute under RBI, in collaboration of Department of Financial Services has
come forward for setting up of 5G Use case lab in Banking & Financial Services and
Insurance (BFSI). DoT has approved this proposal for setting up of 5G Use Case
Lab in Financial Sector at IDRBT with investment of Rs. 22.1 crore with Rs. 17.5
crore funding by DoT.

59. Considering that development of sufficient Use Case Labs is required for
successful implementation of 5G. The Committee enquired what steps have been
taken for setting up of India specific User Case Labs in other sectors. The

22
Department have replied that DoT is presently working with Food Safety and
Standard Authority of India for setting up Use case lab in food safety certification and
with Ministry of Health, AIIMS, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for
setting up of Use cases in respective domains.

60. COAI has submitted that 5G would have business case if there are
applications for its use. Currently, there are no applications or use cases which are
ready to promote business case & capex investment by operators. China has been
working on the same since last two years and claim to have more than 100 use
cases for 5G which have been built through initiatives from Government, Academia,
Operators & Industry verticals. Coordinated Government actions are required for
enabling digital transformation across sectors (Health, Transportation, Energy,
Agriculture etc. as essential). A Digital Readiness Index to measure the same for
each sector should be there to monitor progress as well as to enable development of
India specific use cases.

61. On the plans of the Department to develop use cases in the country, the
Department have stated that DoT has announced a ‗5G Hackathon‘ in association
with MeitY, NITI Aayog, Start-up India, MSME, COAI, IITs/IIITs and other
stakeholders on February 21, 2020. This Hackathon aims to shortlist ideas that can
be converted into workable 5G products and solutions. In Phase 1 up to 30th April
2020, 1024 applications /entries have been received and we have been able to short
list 100 Use case in 10 economic verticals.

62. With regard to the suggestion of COAI to prepare a Digital Readiness Index of
different sectors to enable development of India specific use cases, the Department
stated that the National Digital Communication Policy-2018 (NDCP) acknowledged
the need for building a robust digital communications infrastructure leveraging
existing assets of the broadcasting and power sector including collaborative models
involving State, Local bodies and the Private sector. Accordingly, the NDCP
envisaged the measurement of Broadband Readiness Index (BRI) of the States/UTs

23
in order to address RoW challenges and attract investments. The Broadband
Readiness Index is similar to Digital Readiness Index for Telecom sector.

63. The framework on BRI parameters has been prepared based on the
objectives of NDCP-2018 and inputs from the industry/expert. The Department of
Telecom have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian
Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), an
autonomous, policy-oriented, not-for-profit, economic policy think tank, to develop
Broadband Readiness Index for Indian States and Union Territories for the period
2019-2022. DoT is engaged with the State/UT Governments for the development of
Broadband Readiness Index. The report for the first year, i.e. 2019-20 is under
finalization.

64. Regarding poor development of 5G use cases in India and the suggestions to
develop more use cases in the country, COAI submitted that coordinated
Government actions are required for enabling digital transformation across sectors.
There is a need for other industries to get together with the telecom industry at a
common platform to discuss their requirements from 5G. Based on this, use cases
will be developed. Many start ups will be able to participate in the development of
use cases for 5G based services for various industry verticals. While India is
consuming a very large amount of data per capita in various industry verticals.
However, there is a need to convert the data produced into useful services through
the development of use cases. The Digital Readiness Index of various sectors can
be monitored by a cross sectoral entity for e.g. NITI Aayog. This will facilitate the
monitoring of digital transformation in various sectors and thereby facilitate the
development of use cases for development of digital services in the more digitised
sectors. The combination of this with the India IT stack will help 5G based
technologies build efficiencies in the various sectors and benefit the country.

24
(iii) 5G Field Trial and Experimental Spectrum for Field Trials

65. Government plans to allow 5G trials in limited area and for limited time to test
potential 5G India specific Use cases based on enhanced Mobile
Broadband(eMBB), Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC) and Ultra
Reliable Low Latency Communications (uRLLC) in isolation on non-commercial
basis subject to strict safeguards. The participation in trials by any vendor is not
linked to deployment of their equipment in Indian Network. Department of
Telecommunications has received 16 Applications for 5G field trials using imported
as well as indigenous technology. India has showcased 5G applications during India
Mobile Congress 2019 and with these field trials, start-ups and SMEs can participate
in this ecosystem. 5G trials are likely to be started in 2-3 months.

66. DoT have issued guidelines for assignment of spectrum for trials across all
available spectrum bands on a nominal fee of Rs. 5,000. Indian entities involved in
Research & Development (R&D), manufacturing, telecom operators and academia
for the purpose of R&D and experimentation can get licence for a period of up to two
years depending upon activity which is further renewable on case to case basis by
the Government. One Experimental (Radiating) License for 5G Test Bed at IIT Delhi
was issued on 20.04.2018 with 3-month validity. Guidelines for experimental
spectrum has been issued. The Department have also stated that there are no major
issue confronting trials in the country. An inter-ministerial Committee for monitoring
and evaluation of 5G technology trials has been constituted under Member
(Technology) in DoT.

67. COAI raised some key issues for bringing improvement in trial spectrum
allocations for 5G. These include License for trial spectrum (3.5GHz, mmW, E-
Band) should be for minimum one year, flexibility to conduct trial in any city/location
within the circle as per allocated trial spectrum, single window clearance for the trial
licenses, WPC license should be valid for any location change during the trial and
should not need new application, no equipment/application vendor restriction for
conducting Lab Trial, TSPs should have flexibility to conduct Lab trial for ―Make in

25
India‖ solution with minimum to no requirement of submitting document to WPC /
DOT / Spectrum clearance, flexibility to select site locations & change locations
during within the trial LSA, import duty waiver on 5G Trial equipment., etc.

68. COAI raised concern that the 5G Trial applications were submitted by the
TSPs in the month of January 2020, however, till date the guidelines for trials have
not been made clear and there is no set date for commencement of these trials. It is
recommended that an early issue of orders for the conduct of these trials is issued.
The issues listed above need to be resolved while issuance of final guidelines for
conduct of trials.

69. Explaining the need for conducting 5G trial, representative of a TSP stated as
under:

―……….we need to have these trials taking off very quickly. The industry
as a whole, our industry body has participated as a part of the
Government‘s 5G high-level committee which was set up a-year-and-a-
half or two years back. Deliberations have taken place. We have made a
request for trials to be given to us and we are more than happy to kind of
go down that path because that will ensure that the true benefits are
actually tried out because India use cases are extremely essential in order
to derive the best benefits for 5G. And, therefore, we believe that for
proper commercial 5G rollouts to take place, say, in 2022, we need to
initiate the 5G trials now and start to build the ecosystem.‖

70. On the allocation of 5G spectrum for trials, representative of one of the TSPs
have submitted as under:
―Airtel and other TSPs have submitted their application for 5G trials;
however, the 5G trial spectrum is awaited for almost a year. It is important
that lab and field trials of 5G should be carried out extensively to test the
factors e.g. interoperability of 5G smartphones with 5G infrastructure,
testing of indigenous 5G infra based on Open RAN ecosystem with the
commercial 5G handsets. The trial is also critical to ascertain the
interoperability of 5G infra with the existing 4G networks, serving as an
underlay network for 5G services.‖

71. 5G field trials will help stimulate local R&D eco system, help local TSPs better
understand technology and business models for 5G, encourage OEMs to better
target 5G applications for local needs, etc. When asked about status of 5G field trials

26
 conducted so far, the Committee have been informed by the Department that 5G
field trials have not yet been permitted.

VI. Issues Relating to Standards

(i) India‘s Contribution in Development of 5G Standards

72. As per ITU procedure, the requirement for IMT-2020 (Technical name for 5G)
networks, devices and services are finalized by the ITU Radio Communication
Sector (ITU-R) through consensus development by way of multiple meetings with
Member States and other stakeholders. The current standards for 5G networks
relate to 3GPP release 15 onwards.

73. To promote development of technology in India, the Government is working

with academia, industry and start-ups for Innovation and R&D, generation of IPRs
and their incorporation in 5G and related technologies‘ standards. DoT and Telecom
Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI) in collaboration with the IITs have
been successful in getting the Low Mobility Large Cell (LMLC) use case accepted by
ITU as one of the 5G requirements for rural area. LMLC reflects the needs of rural
India in which the distance between 2 base stations will increase up to 6 KM against
1.73 Km by other technology. This technology will be beneficial for India as well as
other developing countries. The TSDSI has been established to enable Indian
industry take lead in international standardization activities.. There are a few
companies and institutions from India who are contributing on 3GPP and ITU and
other international standard platforms in a limited way in telecom technologies.

74. On the special features of LMLC technology, the Department have informed
that LMLC is part of the IMT-2020 requirements of ITU. This mainly looks at rural
connectivity by placing base stations at Gram Panchayats and providing connectivity
to the neighboring villages and farms. Similar rural connectivity issues exist in many
developing countries where affordable rural broadband coverage is required. In fact,
LMLC requirement was strongly supported by many African counties in ITU. The

27
Standard could be useful for deeper penetration in urban areas for other 5G
applications.

75. When asked about the areas/technologies on which India is contributing to

5G standard, the Department have stated that contributions to 3GPP have been
made in areas such as coverage enhancements, positioning, reduced capability of
user equipment, New Radio Beyond 52.5 GHz operation, Flexible duplexing,
Massive MIMO beamforming, OFDM Numerology and new waveforms, and
NAVigation with Indian Constellation (NaVic) inclusion for geolocation support in
addition to GPS etc. Department is encouraging setting up of test beds, incubation
centers, start-ups, 5G applications & use cases, which will boost the development of
new technologies, applications and standards. By increasing participation in
International Standardization bodies, inclusion of Indian requirements in the
International Standards can be ensured. This will also result in future ownership of
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Standards Essential Patients (SEPs) etc. by India.

76. Director, IIT, Kanpur has submitted on the issue as under:

―Telecom Standard Development Society of India (TSDSI) was

established in 2014 to contribute to the next generation telecom standards
and drive the eco-system of intellectual property creation in India. TSDSI
is an organizational partner of 3GPP and works closely with the global
standards‘ body to reflect Indian requirements into International telecom
standards. With the formation of TSDSI, the Indian research community
has been able to channelize their research efforts towards standardization
initiatives for 5G and beyond technologies and make contributions to
various global standards. TSDSI, being an organizational partner of
3GPP, provides an opportunity for all Indian organizations to contribute to
standardization activities for 5G and beyond technologies under 3GPP. As
mentioned in the previous section, an important beginning has been made
with TSDSI facilitating the LMLC contribution from India to ITU and 3GPP.
More efforts can be made by the Indian research community to take their
research contributions to 3GPP and other global standards development
organizations such as IEEE through the forum offered by TSDSI.

28
77. Expressing the importance of addressing the digital communication needs of
rural India, Director, IIT, Madras submitted as under:

―The rural Indian, even more than the urban, needs wireless broadband
connectivity in order to address basic needs. The pandemic has made this
criticality even more stark. Since wireless/cellular broadband needs to be
back-hauled primarily using optical fiber, the rural towers have to be
located where the BharatNet fiber ends, i.e., at the approximately 2.5 lakh
gram panchayats. From the towers at these locations, neighbouring
villages numbering more than 3.5 lakh have to be provided wireless
coverage. Roughly 33% of these villages are between 3--6 km away from
the gram panchayats, the rest being within 3 km. Ensuring coverage to
these villages at distances up to 6 km is therefore crucial if a large fraction
of rural Indians is not to be left out of 5G as well.
With Telecom Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI) in the lead
and with the help of DOT, India for the first time took to ITU the
requirement of Low Mobility Large Cell (LMLC), to provide rural cellular
coverage up to a distance of 6 km and asked for this to be made a
mandatory requirement of 5G (IMT-2020) technologies. Hitherto, only
high-speed rural highway and railway coverage was a requirement in 2G,
3G and 4G. As expected we got a lot of support for LMLC from developing
countries, but in the compromise hammered out at ITU, the mandatory
coverage distance was reduced to 3 km. It is to be noted that there is
nothing preventing 5G technology from exceeding this requirement.

Enthused by this partial success in ITU, Indian academia, supported by

MEITY through research grants, along with some startups and industry,
submitted innovative and affordable technology enhancements to the
standard being developed in 3GPP (which is the preponderant global
wireless standardization forum in which TSDSI is an organisational
partner). These enhancements ensure LMLC coverage up to 6 km as
needed in India through minimal software changes in the equipment.
However, due to the diverging interests of several companies represented
in 3GPP, and possible concerns about Indian IPR, our enhanced LMLC
coverage solution was not included in the 3GPP standard.
Given the importance of 100% rural 5G broadband coverage to India,
TSDSI has re- incorporated these LMLC enhancements into the 3GPP
standard, in a fully inter- operable and compatible manner, and submitted
an Indian ―5Gi‖ enhanced standard to ITU for approval as a part of IMT-
2020. The 5Gi standard is on the threshold of being approved — this
represents the first time a global standard is emerging from India at ITU.‖

(ii) Need for Harmonization of Indian Standards with Global Standards

78. Need for enhanced rural coverage is one of the important aspects to cover
rural and remote areas considering the size of the country and large capex/
29
investments required especially 5G cell site coverage is smaller compared to 4G as
higher spectrum bands are used for 5G and higher the frequency higher the
attenuation. IIT Madras and associate institutions have developed a variant to the
3GPP standard (Release 15) with the objective to enhance coverage in the existing
standards and also offered technology solution to implement it. This is called TSDSI
RIT and is self-evaluated by an Independent Evaluation Group and submitted to ITU.
The standard compliant to the requirements of 5G technology, the TSDSI RIT along
with the original 3GPP standard have been recommended by the ITU. Some of the
other developing countries also supported the TSDSI RIT considering its relevance
for enhanced rural coverage, which implies reduced capex costs to cover a certain
defined area.
79. COAI while deposing before Committee have stated that it is important to
have globally harmonized standards to allow interoperability and economies of
scale. India should adopt globally harmonized 3GPP standards. If India adopts any
standard other than 3GPP, it would disconnect India from globally harmonized
standard, device & network ecosystem. This would severely impact 5G rollouts, its
adoption in India and increase cost.

80. To a query of the Committee regarding whether India should adopt globally
harmonized 3GPP standards and what steps have been by the Department in this
regard, the Department have stated that India should adopt standards that are
harmonized sufficiently with global standards to ensure inter-operability, roaming,
and to derive ecosystem benefits such as economies of scale. However, it is
possible to adopt carefully enhanced variants of the global standard that specifically
provide some features of importance to India such as enhanced rural broadband
coverage, without compromising on either inter-operability or economy of scale.

81. On whether India has adopted any standard other than 3GPP, the
Department have replied that ITU standards are in final stages of approval for
finalization. India has not adopted any standard for 5G services as yet.

30
82. Bharti Aitel has also submitted as under:

―Current TSDSI RIT standards being proposed for 5G are not globally
harmonized. The adoption of TSDSI RIT without global harmonization
would make India an isolated island in the global 5G ecosystem. GSMA &
GSA have raised concerns on the same with DOT. This would impact
international roaming, incompatibility of global handset & infra with Indian
network. Similar efforts in the past by other countries like China
(TS-SCDMA, local 3G standards), Korea (WiBro — local 4G standards)
etc. have been failures due to the lack of harmonization of these
standards with the global ecosystem. The adoption of globally harmonized
standards for 5G is more critical as SG services are not only for human
communication but also impact the adoption of 5G in vertical industries.
Gaps in the current TSDSI RIT specification would lead to a delay in
adopting 5G services in India. It would increase the cost of 5G handset
and services, which would impact the mass population, who will have to
invest in a comparatively expensive handset (because of made ONLY for
India as against Made in India).Thus, any standard needs to be globally
harmonized to create an open ecosystem that allows the development of
common smartphones/ infrastructure to drive down the cost of services.
The local standards approach will deprive Indians of affordable 5G
devices and applications apart from making the network and devices cost
higher and also cause a delay in the roll-out of 5G. Therefore, we suggest
that the timelines should be to lay down for resolution of gaps around
Interoperability, Performance, Implementation, Alignment, and IPR in the
proposed TSDSI RIT specifications.‖

83. COAI further submitted that even after submission of the inputs of the TSPs
to TSDSI regarding technical errors, incompleteness, unimplementability aspects
and non-testability issues in TSDSI documents, the same have not been
incorporated in the TSDSI RIT. Issues related to interoperability of the proposed
specification with global 3GPP specification still prevail and remain unaddressed.
Performance gain of proposed specifications compared to 3GPP specifications have
not established. Also, the 3GPP has identified that there is an overlap in the
signalling messages of TSDSI, which will cause interoperability issues. The issue
related to lack of interworking in the TSDSI RIT will lead to creating inefficient supply
chain (limited for India market), thereby leading to higher cost of ownership of
devices and services for end customers. It will also lead to restrictions in
international roaming of 5G services between India & other countries, leading to
significant revenue loss. It is important to have globally harmonized standards to

31
allow interoperability. If the standards are not harmonized, there will be compatibility
issues with other standards, which will impact international roaming. Globally
harmonized standards also allow economies of scale. The network and customer
devices when developed for mass market will have economies of scale, however, if
isolated devices are to be developed for niche market, the cost will definitely rise.

84. On the apprehensions raised by some TSPs, Director, IIT, Madras submitted
as under:

―Fears have been expressed that with this 5Gi standard, India will trap
itself into a corner isolated from the global 5G ecosystem. This is wholly
misplaced, as inter- operability and compatibility between the 3GPP 5G
and the TSDSI 5Gi standards can easily be ensured, since the latter is
merely an enhanced version of the former. Moreover, there will be no cost
implications as equipment will support both standards through mere
software selection and in a manner transparent to the
user….xxxxx….xxxx…Instead of fretting about the largely imagined risks
in adopting the 5Gi standard, such a move by the TSPs would establish
the voice of rural Indian consumer, numbering more than half a billion, in a
global body meant to serve their needs, and make India‘s presence felt for
the first time. It is definitely not too much to ask for a couple of bits to
enable India to serve the needs of her rural populace. Till date, 3GPP
member- companies have not taken this request, hitherto made by Indian
academia and some Indian industry members, seriously. Should 3GPP
not heed even this reasonable request, we will still implement the 5Gi
standard in an inter-operable and compatible manner with the 3GPP
standard in India, so that we avoid the trap of being ―islanded‖ or ―forked‖
form the global technology roadmap. However, I believe that the voice of 1
billion-plus Indians cannot be so easily ignored.‖
85. Elaborating on the issue, Secretary, DoT, during the sitting stated as under:
―The 3rd Generation Partnership Project, (3GPP) lays down standards
which are adopted by ITU after consideration. Then, that is an
international standard. So, it is not a standard which is specific for India.
We are free to also adopt specific standards. But one particular issue
which must have been flagged before the hon. Committee is with regard to
the Low Mobility Large Cell (LMLC) that is, where the tower for the 5G will
have a large coverage. Sir, that is good for India. It is good for rural areas
also. It is good for many countries on the same footing. Interoperability is
important. The equipment that is used should be able to operate in this
standard also. We are looking into it. Right now, there is no decision as if
this is being adopted. But yes, if it is an international standard, it is also
applicable to us and we have been advocating that it should be done

32
 through the TSDSI, which is the standards setting body and which also,
incidentally, has private participation.‖

86. When asked about the difference between TSDSI RIT and LMLC, the
Department have stated that LMLC is a rural test configuration and is part of the
IMT-2020 requirements. TSDSI RIT has been approved by ITU SG5 and one of the
standards which has successfully completed all evaluation steps for IMT 2020. This
is hence qualified for commercial deployments. It is in final stage of approval by the
193 member states of ITU. TSDSI-RIT (5Gi) is a standard/technology specification
approved by ITU which meets the IMT 2020 requirements (including LMLC) with
enhanced performance for LMLC rural eMBB use case. The concern of the TSPs
relate to TSDSI-RIT.

VII. Device Eco-system for 5G

(i) Affordable Handsets

87. India is a price sensitive market. Therefore, the success of 5G roll out will
also greatly depend on the availability of affordable 5G devices. On the measures
being envisaged to make affordable 5G handsets and devices, the Department have
stated that the Government has approved Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI)
for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing which includes mobile phones also in
which an incentive of 4% to 6% is proposed to be extended to eligible companies on
incremental sales (over base year) of manufactured goods including mobile phones
and specified electronic components for a period of five (5) years subsequent to the
base year. There is another scheme, the Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of
Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) which shall provide financial
incentive of 25% on capital expenditure for the identified list of electronic goods that
comprise downstream value chain of electronic products, i.e., electronic
components, semiconductor/ display fabrication units, Assembly, Test, Marking and
Packaging (ATMP) units, specialized sub-assemblies and capital goods for
manufacture of aforesaid goods. The setting up of mobile manufacturing ecosystem
including components will enable affordable handsets.

33
88. Expressing the need for affordable devices for 5G, representative of a TSP
during the sitting of the Committee stated as under:

―I think, devices or smartphones will play a role. With regard to

smartphones along with fixed wireless devices, we really are, I would say,
enthralled by the Make in India incentives that have been given to the
device or smartphone OEMs. But I think, similar ecosystem has to develop
in 5G where we have to see how we can get the 5G smartphones and the
devices less than Rs. 10,000 range. That will basically make the 5G thrive
in India because that is exactly what happened with 4G, if I have to go
back in three years‘ time. Actually, when the 4G smartphones were less
than Rs. 5,000, that is when the whole adoption started in a big manner.
So, I think, certainly, we have to make sure that the ecosystem for 5G
smartphones and devices is ready and is given the right incentives to
make sure that we are able to see the 5G adoption once the networks get
rollout.‖

(ii) Promotion of Domestic Manufacturing of Telecom Equipment

89. Telecom service providers have done expansion in 4G infrastructure and

hence import has increased. China is one of the leading suppliers of components,
piece parts and also finished equipment including mobile phones. There are a
number of multinational companies who have manufacturing facilities in China.

90. India has the second highest number of mobile subscribers in the world. The
Committee enquired how much of telecom equipment requirement in the country is
not through domestic production, the Department have replied that as per
information obtained from MeitY, as a result of the implementation of Phased
Manufacturing Programme (PMP) to substantially increase the domestic value
addition of cellular mobile handsets manufacturing eco-system in India and support
provided under Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS), India rapidly
started attracting investments in mobile manufacturing segment and significant
manufacturing capacities have been set up in India during the past five years. Most
of the major brands (both foreign and Indian) have either already set up their own
manufacturing facilities or have sub-contracted manufacturing to Electronics
Manufacturing Services (EMS) companies operating from India. India has emerged
as the 2nd largest manufacturer of mobile phones in the world in volume terms.

34
During year 2018-19, there were import of finished telecom equipment worth more
than 50, 000 crores and about Rs. 10, 000 crores worth of telecom products were
manufactured within the country.

91. Asked as to whether the Department foresee any obstacles in getting

adequate supply of equipment and technology for 5G, the Department stated that
5G technology is still in development phase and vendors are making their efforts for
development of eco-system in phased manner. The Government have taken
several initiatives under ‗Atma Nirbhar Bharat‘ and ‗Make in India‘ for promotion of
domestic manufacturing of telecom equipment, such as Scheme for Promotion of
Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS), PLI
Scheme of MeitY to attract large investment in manufacturing of mobile phones and
electronic components, imposition of basic Custom Duty notification of 36 telecom
products and services under Public Procurement Order, 2017, etc.

92. The representatives of TEMA submitted before the Committee that an

ecosystem needs to be developed for complete manufacturing rather than just
assembly. India should be made a manufacturing destination for global companies
and to develop Indian Champions. As an association of equipment manufacturers in
the country, TEMA are of the view that assembly gives value addition of 5-20%
whereas design led manufacturing gives much more value addition may be up to
50% or more. TEMA strongly believes that a design led domestic manufacturing is
the backbone of country to have complete control on strategically important telecom
networks. It is imperative that rather than just increasing manufacturing contribution
to GDP by low value added assembly-led manufacturing, efforts and policies are
required to be evolved on building a strong design led manufacturing with high value
addition in hi-tech products in telecommunication for commercial as well as strategic
communications purposes and others.

93. TEMA has also stated that TRAI in this behalf in its recommendations dated
3rd August, 2018 has recommended that for promoting research, innovation,

35
standardization, design, testing, certification and manufacturing indigenous
telecom equipment, Telecom Research and Development Fund (TRDF), with initial
corpus of Rs. 1000 Crore, should be created. They have further requested that
Government may provide about Rs 1,000 Crores corpus to support Industry led
R&D support to promote Indian companies who have requisite technological
competence to develop and commercialize world-class products in the core
technological areas. The Government may identify some of the frontrunners and
aim to create at least two National Champions in each category.

94. Explaining the importance of R&D, representative of TEMA stated as under:

―…..xxx…We need something very, very fundamental and solid on the

R&D part because R&D is very different from innovation. The innovation
comes from start-up and then it becomes the commercial part of it. R&D is
a sustainable long-term activity. Unless there is a real policy, economic
thrust and support for R&D, thinking that we will start manufacturing really
is a far-flung dream.‖

95. Further elaborating on the issue, TEMA stated that now the PPP MII policies
are applicable to only Central Government and Central PSUs. This includes two
PSU as telecom service providers, which has about 10% market share. The balance
market share is with private Telecom service providers. Thus the PPP MII policy
addresses about 10% of the market share of telecom service operators. We feel that
India can become Atma Nirbhar with 100% access to market. Hence need for
extension of PPP-MII to private telecom operators also. Likewise TEC, DOT
technical specifications are at present followed by PSU telecom operators. Need to
extend it to all public or private operators as also State Government/State PSUs.
Detailed submissions hereunder.

(iii) Development of Indigenous 5G Technology

96. In the backdrop of Newspaper Reports that Reliance Jio has developed its
own 5G technology using 100 per cent homegrown technologies and plans to offer it
to other telecom companies, the Committee desired to know more details about the

36
indigenous 5G developed by Reliance Jio. On Reliance Jio‘s progress on indigenous
5G, Secretary, DoT, stated during evidence as under:

―We have Jio which has announced recently publicly that they have the
entire technology. We have sought details from them. They have also met
us. We do not doubt them. We have not tested the technology as to how
this is going to emerge. We have not examined it. But, given the track
record, it must be workable, it must be good..……They have their own
major research organisation also and they have also applied for trial in our
5G trials. Jio has also given an application for trial using their own
technology. So, we will be able to see it also. I am not aware of whether
specifically they have sought any testing in the 5G Testbed.‖
97. Also submitting on the development of 5G technology by domestic industry,
Secretary, DoT, further stated as under:
―In terms of technology, we have Jio who have said that they have got the
technology. We have this 5G testbed, which is coming with the
technology, and we are also encouraging CDoT to come up with the 5G
technology. CDoT already has 4G technology not of a high level, and they
are working on it. So, we have encouraged them and told them to now
also work on 5G and come up with it. We are hopeful that they should do it
in the year 2021.

98. On the status of ITI, the only telecom PSU to manufacture 5G equipment, the
Department have stated that ITI has recently tied up with system integrators like
Tech Mahindra, TCS etc. for 4G equipment. They are also discussing with couple of
Indian companies with 4G upgradable to 5G solutions. ITI has the capabilities to
take up manufacturing of Radio equipment for 4G/5G and has been discussing with
Original Equipment Manufacturers to have transfer of technology to manufacture
these products.

99. TEMA stated that Indian OEMs have proved time & again their expertise on
technologies. Indian Prowess on Software is recognized world over. In recent times
there is more of software in telecom equipment than hardware. Indian telecom
equipment has already proved them in implementing many mission critical and
national importance networks (Bharatnet, NFS, AFNET etc) based on domestically
developed equipment. 5G standards are Open standards. Foreign OEMs has an
edge in 2G, 3G & 4G because they monopolize the standards implementation with

37
IPRs in their name hence restricting others to develop it or make use of. However in
the case of 5G, it‘s not the case. All components can be developed individually with
no dependency on one component working over the other, as 5G use cases is not
just covering Mobile Users but the plethora of applications. Many foreign companies
like Nokia, Ericsson, Ciena, NEC etc. are OEMing Indian products which shows the
quality of the product which India is manufacturing now. TEMA requests that for 5G
domestic procurement should be made mandatory, so that Indian companies first
have in country deployment base and then they enter world market.

100. Commenting on the issue, Director, IIT, Kanpur submitted as under:

―Currently, India has insignificant share of its own homegrown product or

equipment manufacturing companies in the domain of mobile
communication technology. We missed the 3G and the 4G bus earlier.
However, due to the changed nature of network components and the
architecture of 5G, it offers us an opportunity to develop products in India.
One of the key design principles used by 5G networks is the
`softwarization‘ of network components. Unlike specialized hardware
elements in the earlier generations of mobile networks, a large number of
equipment/network entities in the 5G network will be based on software
running on commodity off-the-shelf hardware. Specialized chipsets and
hardware elements may not be needed for most of the network entities in
5G network barring elements like Radio Frequency frontends and antenna
sub-system. This provides an opportunity to Indian vendors (R&D and
software vendors) to leapfrog and start developing 5G network equipment
for deployments in India and across the world given our expertise in
software.‖

(iv) Development of Open RAN in the Telecom Network

101. As per the submission of Vodafone Idea Limited traditionally, telecom

networks have followed the Single RAN model that consisted of defined standard
interfaces with closed proprietary information and message exchanges between
them and purpose-built hardware with all RAN components from the same telecom
vendor. This has meant that the control to resolve many of the challenges that
confront the Telecom service providers on a day to day basis lies with just that one
telecom vendor who has designed the particular hardware/software, depending on
where the problem lies, as in traditional RAN deployments, the software and

38
 interfaces remain either proprietary or "closed" by the individual vendor and are
often tied on the underlying hardware by the same vendor. Open RAN, on the other
hand, is one where the interfaces and the software are open and there are no
proprietary interfaces and can be executed on non-proprietary hardware. "Open
RAN" is a movement to define and build 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G RAN solutions based
on a general purpose, vendor neutral hardware and software defined technology
with open interfaces between all the components.

102. Vodafone further submitted that cost savings, competition, choice and
security are some of the key advantages of Open RAN. Typically, RAN network
constitutes about (60-70%) costs of whole CAPEX spend of a telecom operator, and
hence the most important cost factor to focus upon. It is expected that Open RAN
would offer around one-third savings over the traditional gears. In cost sensitive
market like India, Open RAN promises to offer a substantial saving to the telecom
operators while maintaining the performance requirements and KPIs for the
consumers.
103. Accelerating Open RAN deployments and the development of a global Open
RAN ecosystem can advance key strategic objectives of the Indian Government viz.
Make In India; Connected India and Building Atma Nirbhar Bharat. Government
should provide financial incentives to operators that transit a portion of their network
to Open RAN and Government should invest in and encourage private sector
investment in areas where India has comparative advantage, such as software
development. The Government should seek to establish Open RAN Centres of
Excellence (CoEs) at Indian Institutes of Technology, leveraging and enhancing their
international reputation.

VIII. Infrastructure & RoW Policy Issues

(i) Fiberisation and RoW Policy Issues

104. COAI has submitted that Uniform RoW policy across states has Critical role in
the operationalization of 5G networks. Making available existing and new municipal
infrastructure (for e.g. street furniture/ open spaces etc.) for site densification (small

39
cell deployments/ telecom infrastructure installation). Fiberization is next key
foundation for 5G readiness. India lacks fiberized sites and there needs to be strong
govt. push to build at least 50% sites on fiber. Tracker at circle level would be useful
in this regard with target to achieve 50% of sites in each circle on fiber. Free RoW
for this will be a great contributor in the national interest of providing 5G access to
the entire nation.

105. Explaining the need for streamlining the RoW policy, representative of a TSP
stated as under:
―Since it is a high bandwidth capability on the network side, 5G would
definitely demand the reach of the optical fibre to each and every tower or
point of emissions from where the 5G radio waves are emitted. Now, this
will need a significant change in the way the policy, the subsequent
implementation and the execution of right of way are handled in the
country. Today, there are multiple agencies right from State Governments
to municipalities to RWAs which have very clear entry barrier for anybody
else like us to lay fibre while we call it essential services like electricity and
water. I think our ability to reach out to the customer the way we want as
far as our plan is concerned is seriously hampered by delays, exorbitant
costs and non-uniform ways of operating this and this could be the single
largest delay in expansion of the 5G network in length and breadth of the
country. The second infrastructure related issue which I would like to
highlight is the permission for putting up towers and polls. Unlike 4G, 5G
will be much more densified a network. It will go much closer to the
customer because of the bandwidth, the kind of services and the industry
support it would need. In that scenario, it would be very, very critical for us
to go ahead and deploy towers, polls and sites what the world calls the
‗street furniture‘, not only the classical towers or telco towers. To go there,
we would again need a single window clearance, which means if I need to
cover this room, I would need to put a sense of emission either here or in
some place near which can cover it in the right way.‖

106. On the present policy governing RoW for setting up of towers and laying of
fiber in the country, the Department have stated that The Indian Telegraph Right of
Way Rules, 2016 (IT RoW Rules, 2016), notified in the Gazette of India
Extraordinary on the 15th November, 2016, govern the RoW for setting up of towers
and laying of fiber in the country. The uniform RoW policy is very critical for
operationalisation 5G as it would help TSPs/ISPs/Telecom in creating and
expanding telecom infrastructure [for 5G) across India. Ultimately it would support

40
citizens and enterprises by fulfilling the information and communication needs
through the establishment of a ubiquitous, resilient, secure, accessible and
affordable telecom Infrastructure, necessary for 5G operations.

107. Asked about the challenges in providing RoW across all States/UTs, the
Department submitted the following:

a) ―Delay in issuing permissions due to lack of Online Single window

clearance system.
b) Lack of clarity regarding documents required for submission of
application for RoW permission.
c) Multiple Policies with multiple levies of charges and procedures by
many States/UTs.
d) Lack of availability of Government Land & Buildings for installation of
Mobile Towers as procedure for same is not included by many States/UTs
in their existing policies. ―

108. Regarding meeting the fiber requirement for complete roll out of 5G, the
Department further stated that the requirement of towers and fiberization is subject
to rollout plans of 5G. In the initial spell, 5G is envisaged to be rolled out in high
density and high data consumption hotspots in mid band and in subsequent phases,
the other applications will be rollout progressively considering the infrastructure
costs in rolling out 5G and business demand.

109. The IT RoW Rules, 2016 provide uniform rates for granting RoW permission
by the States/UTs. So far 16 States/UTs have aligned their RoW Policies/Rules with
the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016.Various Seminars, Regional
Workshops, Meetings are being held from time to time with the States/UTs including
the stakeholders for reviewing the implementation of IT RoW Rules, 2016. Requests
have been/are being made to Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries of the remaining
States/UTs from time to time for aligning their RoW Rules/Policies with the IT RoW
Rules, 2016. As envisaged in the NDCP 2018, DoT has initiated to measure a set of
parameters across states to assess Broadband Readiness Index with the objective
to address the challenges in building infrastructure and attract investments in digital

41
infra. The DoT‘s 2016 RoW guidelines adoption, approval period, Power supply to
cell sites, Fiberization are some of the parameters in the index that are important.
The objective is to monitor and measure the performance to enhance the
competitive spirit among states and build collaboration with states to mitigate the
challenges in infrastructure rollout.

110. On the issue of RoW policy and need for adoption of uniform policy,
representative of TRAI stated as under:
―Sir, Right-of-Way is very, very important if we want to increase
fiberization. Our percentage of fiberization is very low. We have made very
detailed recommendations and DoT also has written to MOHUDA. But we
think that a time-bound schedule should be prepared. May be, if required,
we should work with States to amend the laws on Municipality Acts or the
Municipal Corporation Act and the Panchayat Act in which specific
provisions should be made. Today, what is happening? Different cities and
different towns are charging different kinds of rates. In many cases, the
rates are prohibitive. It is because of that also the cable operators, even
the TSPs find it very difficult. That is one thing. Secondly, giving a time-
bound permission is another problem. It is almost difficult for an operator
to get the permission in time. That is also increasing cost and overruns.
So, these are two things where we are of the view that we should
concentrate on Right-of-Way. We are also going to work with the State
Governments on this. We are preparing a White Paper on
it…..xxxxx….xxxxx….. On right-of-way, I just want to add one thing. If we
have to improve the quality of service, modification of building bylaws is
also very much required….We have taken up this issue with Ministry of
Housing and Urban Affairs. But a lot of work has to be done on that on
topmost priority basis; otherwise the quality of telecom service will not be
up to the mark and we will not be able to give proper coverage particularly
for the 5G.‖

(ii) Requirement of Small Cells

111. As large numbers of small cells are required to be deployed, in order to

reduce the approval time and administrative burden of local authorities, batch
processing for group of small cells will play a crucial role. Also, for making
deployment of huge number of small cells economically viable, administrative fee for
getting approvals/clearances needs reconsideration. Though comprehensive RoW
rules 2016 have been declared, necessary steps need to be taken to follow up with

42
the state governments for getting RoW rules 2016 implemented properly. Moreover,
keeping with the requirements of small cell deployment, suitable amendment in the
RoW rules will be beneficial.
112. The Committee asked pending amendment in the RoW Rules, whether any
stopgap arrangements are being put in place to set up small cell or the proposal for
amendment of RoW Rules is under process. TRAI in a written reply stated that the
service providers and Infrastructure Providers (IP-1s) need to construct and
establish small cell facilities in the public Right of Way. Timely approval process for
RoW permissions is required for ensuring faster rollout of 5G connectivity, wherein
approximately 1000 Base Station cells per square kilometer are required. For rolling
out 5G small cells, providers could utilize the existing electricity poles, streetlight
poles or utility poles. Moreover, a 5G cell needs to be connected through a fiberized
backhaul. This again requires RoW permissions for laying underground as well as
aerial Optical Fiber Cable (OFC). The facilitation of OFC, towers and poles
installation through the RoW Rules enables the operators to faster rollout 5G
services. Mitigating the present challenges of RoW permissions in the country will
expedite infrastructure rollout and make India 5G ready. In view of the above, TRAI
is reviewing whether the RoW Rules 2016 have effectively addressed the issues in
grant of RoW permissions on time at reasonable prices in nondiscriminatory
manner? Accordingly, TRAI has raised various RoW issues for seeking inputs from
stakeholders in the recent consultation paper on ―Roadmap to Promote Broadband
Connectivity and Enhanced Broadband speed‖. The consultation with the
stakeholders is under progress. After the conclusion of the consultation process,
TRAI may issue suitable recommendations to the Government for addressing the
issues relating to RoW permissions, if any. Further, as a stop gap arrangement, the
alternate of OFC backhaul for small cells could be wireless backhaul connectivity.
The E and V spectrum bands are considered optimum for providing high speed
wireless backhaul connectivity. For this purpose, TRAI has already given its
recommendations to the Government for assignment of E and V band spectrum to
the service providers.

43
(iii) Sharing of Infrastructure

113. Infrastructure sharing provides a healthier competitive environment for the

telecom market. It also improves economies of scale, avoiding duplication of
networks where unnecessary. The increase of infrastructure sharing in the telecom
business has allowed for a more efficient pace of expansion and innovation, for
example, a faster roll-out of next generation networks and services have been made
possible due to sharing of active and passive infrastructure. 5G would require
densification of network, thus necessitates to further ease out the sharing of
infrastructure. Presently, Infrastructure Providers Category-I (IP-I) are permitted to
deploy and share passive infrastructure such as Dark fiber, Right of Way, Duct
space, and Towers on lease/rent out/sale basis to the licensees of telecom services
on mutually agreed terms and conditions. In the year 2009, the scope of IP-I
registration was enhanced to cover the active infrastructure limited to antenna,
feeder cable, Node B, Radio Access Network (RAN), and transmission system for
and on behalf of Unified Access Service License (UASL)/Cellular Mobile Service
Provider (CMSP) licensees. However, IP-I providers are not permitted to own and
share active infrastructure, i.e., these elements should be owned by the TSPs.

114. Stressing the need for sharing of fibre, representative of a TSP during the
sitting stated as under:

―5G rollouts typically have been in countries which are already having more
than 90 per cent fibre rollouts. If you look at China, they have 90 per cent of
their sites already fiberized. Similarly, if you look at Japan, they have the
similar situation. If you look at US, even if it is a widespread market, they
have a very good fibre penetration up to each and every site. So, I think, this
is very very important that we should have a fibre infrastructure enrichment
that should happen which basically would entail permissions to be given
within a particular timeframe, or I would say, single window, very clear
timeframe for a permission, as well as Government incentivizing the right of
way by creating a free right of way and creating fibre as a national asset
where we all can pool in our fibre asset and make it available on a sharing
basis. I think, sharing the resources right now is very very critical and hence,
what we recommend and request is that we should have fibre sharing policy
well-defined wherein all the fibre, right from PSUs to TSPs, operators like
ourselves and others should share the fibre and make it usable so that we

44
 can let our 5 lakh towers to be lit by fibre. The fiber sharing and using the fiber
as a national asset has not been the case till now along with the right of way
in terms of its cost and in times that it will be very very critical.‖

115. Elaborating further on the issue, the representative of Bharti Airtel stated as
under:
―The connectivity of the BTSs through the fiber is another requirement for
the roll-out of 5G services. However, India remains highly under-fiberized,
providing connectivity to less than 30% of mobile towers and 7% of our
homes. The major bottlenecks for low fiber penetration in India have been
the difficulties, delays, and costs associated with obtaining Right of Way
(RoW) permissions from various state/local authorities.Fiber needs to be
accorded with the status of essential national infrastructure, and TSPs
should be supported with zero RoW cost with single window clearance so
that they can fiberize their BTSs. Sharing of fiber infrastructure across
Govt. and private players should be made mandatory, and a pricing model
for such sharing need to be adopted.‖

116. TRAI have informed that they have given their recommendations on
‗Enhancement of Scope of Infrastructure Providers Category-I (IP-I)‘ to the
Government on 13.03.2020. TRAI has recommended to expand the scope of the
IP-I providers, and permit them to own, establish, maintain, and work all such
infrastructure items, equipment, and systems which are required for establishing
Wireline Access Network, Radio Access Network (RAN), and Transmission Links.
The recommendations are under consideration in DoT. Once implemented, this
would increase sharing of common active sharable infrastructure established by IP-I
providers resulting in efficient utilization of resources.

117. To a query on their plan to meet the fibre requirement of TSPs for 5G
services, TRAI in a written reply stated that fiberisation is the key focus area for the
industry. The National Broadband Mission launched in December 2019, to achieve
the NDCP goal of 'Broadband for All', highlights fiberisation of towers, to increase by
around two and half times the current number of fiberized telecom towers in the
country. As per the latest data available with TRAI, approximately 30 percent of the
total base stations are connected through OFC. It is right that BharatNet will be able

45
 to meet the demand of the Telecom Service Providers for optical fibre connectivity in
the rural and remote areas. As per the latest status available on the website of
Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), as on 6th Nov 2020, 4.7 lakh km length
of OFC is laid for 1,59,901 Gram Panchayats (GP), out of which 1,47,368 GPs are
made service ready (on fibre & satellite). This network can accelerate 5G
penetration across rural India. However, BharatNet has its own set of challenges
during implementation. TRAI has issued its recommendations to the Government for
expeditious rollout and efficient utilization of BharatNet. The same are under
implementation in some of the areas. Further, TRAI has already taken steps to
increase fiberisation through recent consultation paper on ―Roadmap to Promote
Broadband Connectivity and Enhanced Broadband speed‖, illustrating the current
footprint status, existing bottlenecks, and opportunities to increase fibre penetration.
As the Government is aiming to increase fibre footprint to 5 million-kilometer route
and increase fiberized towers to 60% by 2022, TRAI would furnish its
recommendations on fiberisation soon.

IX. Use of E and V Bands for Backhaul Spectrum

118. As per TRAI fibre-based backhaul is still in its infancy in India. There is
inadequacy in terms of optic fibre cable density both in urban and rural areas and a
special focus for its densification in a time bound manner is essential for 5G
deployments. While providing the inputs to the Government for the National Telecom
Policy in February 2018, the Authority has recommended a number of strategies for
increasing fiber penetration in the country. Most of those strategies have got
reflected in the National Digital Communication Policy (NDCP) 2018. The
Government should focus on implementation and execution of the NDCP 2018
policy strategies as a critical attribute to drive the development of the whole telecom
ecosystem in the right direction. If done timely, the policy will provide the impetus,
the required thrust, and augur to be extremely positive for 5G launch in India.

119. The spectrum in E Band and V band will provide high capacity backhaul links
for mobile networks and is very important specially for deployment 5G network.E-

46
band was established in the US over 10 years ago. Since then, E-band has grown
steadily. E-band is now open in more than 85 countries and the most common
regulation for E-band assignment is link-by-link coordination. Over 70 countries
across the world including US, UK, Korea, Japan, Australia, Sweden, South Africa
among others, have already opened up the 60 GHz (V band) for delicensed usage.

120. Regarding the status of E&V backhaul spectrum, the representative of TRAI
submitted during evidence as under:
“TRAI has recommended giving the E band and V band for backhaul and
band, for some portion, as a hotspot and Wi-Fi…… We have already
made the recommendation. There are conflicts of interests. One is that the
TSPs want that E band should be auctioned but Internet Service Providers
and other people are of the opinion that it should not be.‖

121. Asked about auctioning of E&V band which will not only address fibre
requirement but also generate revenue, the Department have replied that the issue
of allotment of Microwave Backhaul spectrum to the TSPs, which also include E&V
Bands, is part of the ongoing process of finalisation of ―Policy for Normative and
Transparent Assignment /Authorisation of Spectrum‖ as well as the TRAI
recommendation dated 29 August 2014.

122. Representative of a TSP stated during the sitting as under:

―Another thing which we always say is that just like fiber is there on the
ground, we have the opportunity of using airwaves to reach just like
wireline reaches to places. We could use wireless technology to reach
people faster. Same thing is true about the ability to use E&V band, the
recommendation which has been made by TRAI and DOT in the past,
however, it has not been allocated. As an industry body, we have
requested that if a quick auction of that can be done along with the
spectrum auction that takes place, then it is almost like providing fiber in
the air. The ability for us, therefore, to make this figure of 30 per cent go
up to 90 per cent becomes that much higher because you are literally
having airwave-based fiber so to say.‖

47
 123. On the issue of delicensing, he further stated as under:
―There are a lot of other people who are saying that it should be
delicensed. Delicense is a problem. In the name of Wi-Fi, people are
talking about delicensing. I will just mention one thing. In the last 18
months, 550 MHz has been delicensed. The question to ask is, has it led
to proliferation of Wi-Fi? The answer is no. The Wi-Fi that has been put by
one-way operators like three of us or it has been done by the common
service centers of the Government of India.‖

124. Bharti Airtel in their submission have stated that with explosive growth of
wireless data services across the globe with advent of technologies like LTE, this
high capacity spectrum band has been found to be very useful for backhaul
transmissions. Many fibre rich countries like Japan and South Korea, among others,
are using E&V band for backhaul transmission networks. As backhaul spectrum, it
can be used as high capacity focused, point-to-point ―pencil beam‖ links allowing a
much higher reuse of the same frequency in a given area & make it suitable for last
mile deployments in urban areas. As 5G will enhance the access network's
bandwidth and capacity, a higher capacity backhaul spectrum is required. E&V Band
can revolutionize 5G and high speed wired broadband. Therefore, an enabling policy
for the E&V band as a backhaul needs to be finalized at the earliest.

X. Security Related Issues in 5G Scenario

125. Increased risk of hacking of data is one of the immediate concerns of 5G. In
this background the Committee desired to know about the data security related
preparedness. To this, the Department stated that the data including voice that goes
through the network is protected considering the fact the network protocols reliably
take care of potential scenarios. Further several applications say banking
transactions etc., are protected end to end with specific application specific
encryption keys. However, as 5G is a bouquet of technologies, is considered to work
across platforms, devices, radio technologies, threat perception may be higher
considering the fact that rollouts have just begun and issues are still being studied.
The 3GPP standards do take care of network level protections as may be
necessary.

48
126. Further, enhancing security protection and addressing vulnerabilities is a
continuing process with equal responsibility on device makers, network gear makers
and application developers as well.

127. To tackle the cyber security related concerns emerging due to introduction of
5G, the Department have stated that the Telecom service in India is provided by the
Telecom Service Provider (TSP) after obtaining license from DoT. For ensuring
security of Telecom networks the TSP has to abide by the 'Security Conditions'
specified in chapter 6 of the license agreement. These ―Security Conditions‖ are
technology agnostic and are equally applicable to 5G services. Further, DoT has
notified Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules 2017 enabling Mandatory Testing and
Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE), which prescribes that any
telegraph which is used or capable of being used with any telegraph established,
maintained or worked under the licence granted by the Central Government in
accordance with the provisions of section 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, shall
have to undergo prior mandatory testing and certification in respect of parameters as
determined by the telegraph authority from time to time. Telecom Engineering
Centre(TEC) has been designated as the Telegraph Authority for the purpose of
administration of MTCTE procedure and Surveillance Procedure, and for formulation
of Essential Requirements (ER) under MTCTE. One of the important parameters of
ER against which the testing and certification shall be carried out is the Security
Requirement. The National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS), DoT
Bengaluru has been entrusted with the responsibility of drafting the same which shall
be called Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirement (ITSAR). Thus, any
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)/ importer/ dealer who wishes to sell or
import any telecom equipment in India, shall have to obtain Certificate from
Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), DoT and mark or affix the equipment
with appropriate Certification label.

49
128. It is also to mention that the ―Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019‖ has already
been introduced in the Parliament on 11th December 2019. Once the PDP Bill is
finally approved the directions related to Telecom Sector will be implemented
accordingly.

129. The Committee have also been informed that mandatory testing and
certification in respect of ―Security requirements‖ is planned to be implemented
through a scheme titled ―Communication Security Certification Scheme‖ (ComSeC).
National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) is responsible for
implementation of this scheme. The objectives of ComSec are:

 To develop country specific security standards, processes and test

specifications.
 To develop security testing and certification eco-system.
 To ensure Telecom network elements meet security assurance requirements.
 To ensure compliance of regulatory requirements pertaining to security
testing.
 Security requirements are framed by NCCS, for each Telecom product as per
the country requirements by following an open, consultative and transparent
process.

130. On the issue of security, representative of a TSP submitted before the

Committee as under:

―We need to very clearly be cognitive of the fact that unlike 4G where the
telecom was just a connectivity part of the whole network and we were
building roads. From 5G onwards, it will become much more intrusive in
our business operations like the applications, the digitisation,
e-governance, smart city, all the cameras in a city, the data centres, the
device and the chipset in the devices. Now, the more open and more
densified this whole network plain gets, the more vulnerable this becomes
to threats. The threats are simple. It is a very good term – STRIDE. It talks
about the fundamental threats, this is true in any scenario. ‗S‘ stands for
Spoofing, ‗T‘ stands for Tampering, ‗R‘ stands for Repudiation which
means the ownership and authenticity of the data itself, ‗I‘ is for
information disclosure, ‗D‘ is for denial of service making the network
unavailable when it is needed more and ‗E‘ is for what they call as
escalation of privileges which means that if I am not allowed to access this
particular data and somehow I manipulate my privileges to elevate them to
get it, all of them will cut across all the nine items in which we build our

50
 network – the hardware which is the physics of the network, the software
which is the whole brain of the network and finally the data itself like
customer data and the application data. Now, the mitigation strategy to the
STRIDE is complying flawlessly with the right standards ensuring that the
IPR is either our own which could be the best thing, which is what we are
trying, or is validated in such a foolproof way that there is absolutely no
backdoor or hacking kind of scenario which comes up. Unless we
understand this in its full glory, I think we will be kind of catching up with
the nuances that will hit us post the network goes live or post the
industries or the Government start riding on this network. It would be a
delay if that happens on the post facto basis.‖

131. In this regard, the representative of a TSP submitted during evidence as

under:
―Sir, we do have cloud service providers like Amazon and Google. We are
having edge networks in India as well. So, what is important is that all the
critical services should be hosted more from India as compared to being
hosted outside, and the user data and the user information should be
secured within the Indian territories. That, I think, is our recommendation
and request.

(i) Threat from Imported Telecom Equipment

132. There is a growing reluctance by a number of countries globally to allow
Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei to roll out 5G services in their territories.
The US has already banned Huawei over concerns of security. When asked about
the stand of the Department on the above issue, the Department have informed that
they are having close watch on 5G development around the world and would take
appropriate decision after evaluating all the pros and cons on 5G ecosystem
including social, economic and security considerations.

133. Secretary, DoT stated during the evidence as under:

―Sir, DoT has not specifically banned any company. However, we have issued
orders based on a representation from our local manufacturers that if there is
any country which is preventing our vendors from supplying there, then our
PSUs will also not buy from any such country. This order was issued about
four or five months back, but no country is named here. So, if there is any
such case, then the PSU will have to then not buy from such a country.‖

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XI. Other Issues

(i) Need for Investment

134. TRAI in their White Paper on ‗Enabling 5G in India‘ had given reference to the
report on ―5G: The catalyst to Digital Revolution in India‖ by Deloitte, where it has
been mentioned that while the investment for 5G would grow incrementally as
advancements on existing 4G/LTE technology, with 5G spectrum and network
densification needs, it is anticipated that industry might require an additional
investment of USD 60-70 billion to seamlessly implement 5G networks. Ernst &
Young has also estimated that India would have to invest USD 60-70 billion for 5G.

135. When asked to furnish their comment on the above observation, TRAI have
stated that it is a fact that substantial amount of investment would be required to roll
out 5G services in India. The service providers have to envisage various business
cases and the revenue models for commercial success of the 5G network roll out.
Service providers should also consider various methods to minimize the cost of
deployment. One of the methods is the Infrastructure sharing which is the key for
success of 5G.Infrastructure sharing provides a healthier competitive environment
for the telecom market. It also improves economies of scale, avoiding duplication of
networks where unnecessary. The sharing of towers and equipment also translates
into sharing of expertise between telecom companies, and an overall reduction in
Capex and Opex costs. Presently, Infrastructure Providers Category-I (IP-I) are
permitted to deploy and share passive infrastructure only such as Dark fiber, Right of
Way, Duct space, and Towers. TRAI has given its recommendations on 13th March
2020 on ‗Enhancement of Scope of Infrastructure Providers Category-I (IP-I)‘ vide
which TRAI has recommended to expand the scope of the IP-I providers, and permit
them to own, establish, maintain, and work all such infrastructure items, equipment,
and systems which are required for establishing Wireline Access Network, Radio
Access Network (RAN), and Transmission Links. The recommendations are under
consideration in DoT. Once the recommendations are implemented, there will be
increased sharing of common active sharable infrastructure established by IP-I

52
providers resulting in efficient utilization of resources and reduction in cost for the
TSPs.

136. On the requirement of Government support, representative of a TSP stated

as under:

―The next thing I would like to mention is around the investment required to
make this whole thing work. Everybody would acknowledge that there is
stress in this sector at this moment. As an industry, all of us individually and
as a body, have written to TRAI to also intervene in setting low prices. We
understand that in the recent past, the aviation sector has got floor and
ceiling, Rs.4000 for a ticket at a minimum and Rs. 10,000 at a maximum. We
are balancing out in a difficult situation like this in the consumer‘s interest and
in the industry‘s interest. We submit that for some time to come, it is very
important that price stability is there and the floor pricing would be a great
way to ensure that the industry which is supposed to cough up about a
hundred billion dollars for 5G investment over the next few years is able to
become more robust and therefore contribute not just to the exchequer,
because that would be useful by way of revenue share that we give to the
Government, but also would become cashflow-rich to handle that. The related
area there is National Digital Communications Policy 2018 approved by the
Parliament and the Government which talks about reducing the levies and
duties. Should that be done quickly, it will again put more money in the hands
of the industry to invest faster, and therefore, capitalize the whole 5G
movement.‖

137. Bharti Airtel also submitted as under:

―5G services launched globally are being offered at the same price levels
as 4G services and mostly used for offloading 4G networks and building
capabilities to offer FWA services that were not scalable on 4G networks.
Given the high level of 4G network usage in the Indian market, 5G would
be used mainly for decongesting 4G networks. Hence, it would not
increase operators‘ revenues unless there is price correction in existing
4G & fixed broadband services. However, the adoption of 5G requires
massive investments. Therefore, as stated above, it is critical to ensure
the telecom sector's viability and sustainability by taking necessary steps
such as rationalization of regulatory levies, tariff floor on a temporary
basis, etc.‖

(ii) Availability of Reliable Power Supply

138. Availability of the reliable grid power has also been cited as one of the largest
bottlenecks in upgrading the network. According to Tower and Infrastructure

53
Providers Association (TAIPA), about 35% towers in the country are connected to
reliable power supply on Pan India basis. As regards rural areas, on an average,
power supply is available for 10-12 hrs. Since telecom services are to be maintained
on 24x7 basis, the short fall in the power supply is supplemented through alternate
power sources like DG sets, renewable energy solutions and high efficiency battery
deployment. Therefore, there is a need to augment grid power supply availability in
rural areas for greening of telecom; so that the shortfall in power availability could be
met only through deployment of high efficiency battery banks.

139. The cross-sectoral use cases would require coordinated efforts in managing
the 5G ecosystem with cross sectoral involvement. For cross-sectoral cases of
M2M/ IoT, in order to bring M2M industry concerns and regulatory bottlenecks, DoT
has proactively formed M2M Apex Body, M2M Review Committee and M2M
Consultative Committee. Domain experts from every vertical which has been
considered as potential M2M/IoT market has to get together to address the concerns
and also be in advisory role to the policies making bodies of the government.
Consultative Committee has been constituted incorporating representatives from
Standardizing bodies such as Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Telecom
Standards Development Society of India (TSDSI) and sectoral industry
representative bodies to bring M2M industry concerns and regulatory bottlenecks to
the notice of Apex body. Also, in order to support implementation of actionable
points evolved from National Telecom M2M Roadmap, M2M Review Committee has
been formed under DoT. The scope of the existing committees can be expanded or
broadened for inclusion of all the 5G use cases.

(iii) 5G to BSNL and MTNL

140. Cabinet in its meeting held on 23.10.2019 approved the administrative
allotment of spectrum to BSNL/MTNL for 4G services through capital infusion. The
funds for 4G spectrum has been allocated in FY 2020-21. BSNL had floated a tender
on 23.03.2020 for 4G Mobile Network in North, East, West & South Zones of BSNL
and Delhi & Mumbai LSA of MTNL on turnkey basis for procurement of 50,000 e-

54
Node B‘s of BSNL and 7,000 e-Node B‘s of MTNL. However, due to some policy
issues, that tender has been cancelled and fresh tender will be floated compliant
with PMI provisions to give preferential treatment to domestic vendors as per
Government of India guidelines. In so far as sourcing of technology and participation
of suppliers from different countries is concerned, Government instructions/decisions
including provision of the General Financial Rules 2017 (i.e. Rule 144(xi)) and
Department of Expenditure order dated 23.07.2020 will be followed.

141. The Government in its decision dated 23.10.2019 decided that BSNL/MTNL
will be allotted spectrum for 4G services administratively and funding of the
spectrum cost through capital infusion by the Government. BSNL/MTNL has not yet
requested for allocation of 5G spectrum.

142. Highlighting the importance of domestic players, TEMA submitted as under:

―The domestic industry has made huge competence and requisite
expertise in the mobile technology domain to compete with foreign OEMs.
Domestic players have successfully supplied and managed O&M of more
than 2000 sites in BSNL, under LWE areas in 2G technology. Domestic
players have also successfully developed the 4G network products and
done the POC in BSNL network. We would also like to bring your attention
to the DOT‘s interactions with the domestic industry on their readiness of
4G LTE products for the BSNL/MTNL requirements.
Many Indian Companies have participated and have even showcased
their competence in respective areas. We strongly believe the domestic
industry should be promoted for design & development of indigenous 4G
technologies, such handholding will also help develop domestic
ecosystem for 5G technologies also.‖

143. During evidence, the representatives of TEMA submitted as under:

―Today, I was to talk about the Indian manufacturing. TEMA appreciates
domestic manufacturing. We want Indian manufacturing and at the same
time, it is our duty to ensure that the guys who give us order for Indian
manufactured goods survive. So, who is giving us orders for Indian
manufactured goods are only PSUs, BSNL, MTNL. Now, as per the
Government policy, we are being able to supply IDDM and Make in India
goods to Indian companies. BSNL, which is of a strategic importance is
allowing Make in India, IDDM products to be sold to it. We would wish that
BSNL survives and therefore, the policy should be that 30 per cent goods

55
 should be made IDDM with preference to Make in India policy, meeting all
those conditions and to ensure that Indian products which they will buy,
will be approved on a fast track basis because the policy which is being
considered will take 3-4 years for BSNL to roll out 4G. But that will delay
the competitiveness of BSNL and that could also be a death knell to
BSNL. So, we would wish that 30 per cent is given to IDDM and all that
but the pricing which is given is higher because technological
development cost initially is higher, therefore, there is a difference in cost
and the Government should support to that level. But the 70 per cent,
initially, at least, in the next one year could go to others or Make in India
products, which do not have Indian-owned technology at present so that
the supplies to BSNL can happen and they can roll out the 4G network in
the next few months. The domestic companies are putting up our
manufacturing plants and technology together. C-DoT, ITI, Sterlite, even
Paramount, we are all working towards consortium approach in having a
complete Indian made technology. The process is that it will go to different
levels of testing, namely, first, second and third, and then only it will be
rolling out on a commercial scale. If BSNL dies in the process, then at that
time, we will have nobody to again buy our product and we will be lost in
the woods. So, that is our hope and claim. We want to survive but we also
want our customer to survive.‖

(iv) Coordinated Efforts across Sectors for 5G Eco-system

144. The cross-sectoral use cases would require coordinated efforts in managing
the 5G ecosystem with cross sectoral involvement. For cross-sectoral cases of
M2M/ IoT, in order to bring M2M industry concerns and regulatory bottlenecks, DoT
has proactively formed M2M Apex Body, M2M Review Committee and M2M
Consultative Committee. Domain experts from every vertical which has been
considered as potential M2M/IoT market has to get together to address the concerns
and also be in advisory role to the policies making bodies of the government.
Consultative Committee has been constituted incorporating representatives from
Standardizing bodies such as Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Telecom
Standards Development Society of India (TSDSI) and sectoral industry
representative bodies to bring M2M industry concerns and regulatory bottlenecks to
the notice of Apex body. Also, in order to support implementation of actionable
points evolved from National Telecom M2M Roadmap, M2M Review Committee has
been formed under DoT. The scope of the existing committees can be expanded or
broadened for inclusion of all the 5G use cases.

56
145. The Committee desired to know whether TRAI has conducted any study to
understand the best international practices and identify as adopted by other
countries. The Committee also enquired as to whether the present body formed by
DoT will be adequate to deal with all issues concerning cross-sectoral use cases
including 5G. To the above queries, TRAI have replied that it is important to develop
India specific use cases across different verticals for utilizing the 5G ecosystem. DoT
has taken initiative for development of use cases through setting up of test beds and
labs in this regard. For standardization in M2M and IoT segment, TSDSI and
Telecommunication engineering Centre (TEC) have carried out the transposition of
international standards for use in India. Further, subsequent to formation of M2M
Apex Body, a 5G High Level Forum (5G HLF) was set up by the Government in
September 2017 to articulate the vision for 5G in India and to recommend policy
initiatives & action plans to realize this vision. The 5G HLF released a report in
August 2018 titled ―Making India 5G ready‖ suggesting measures in the area of
Spectrum Policy, Regulatory Policy, Education and Awareness Promotion Program,
Application & Use Case Labs, Development of Application Layer Standards, Major
Trials and Technology Demonstration and Participation in International Standards.
The Steering Committee formed by 5G HLF created seven Task Forces, each with a
Chair and one of these task forces was for ―Application and Use Case Labs‖.
Regarding applications and use cases it has been mentioned in the report. Since 5G
will support many applications, deeper and faster deployment in India can greatly
benefit from the setting up of Applications and Use Case Labs. These labs will
provide multiple functions – interoperability testing for new applications, fostering
innovation in 5G use cases, and promote entrepreneurship to develop locally
tailored solutions. The 5G HLF has recommended that the Applications and Use
Case Labs be set up within different economic verticals in a phased manner.
Accordingly, DoT has taken initiative in setting up of the Test Beds and labs for use
cases involving the key academic institutions.

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(v) 5G and Health Concerns

146. The International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)

issues guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (100 kHz to 300
GHz) which cover many applications such as 5G technologies, WiFi, Bluetooth,
mobile phones, and base stations. Department of Telecommunications has adopted
stricter norms for safety from Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) emission from
mobile towers in India which has been fixed to be 10 times more stringent than the
safe limits prescribed by International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation
Protection (ICNIRP) and recommended by World Health Organisation. Further,
Government of India has taken adequate steps to ensure that Telecommunications
Service Providers strictly adhere to these prescribed norms.

147. The Department have informed the Committee that with regard to impact of
Electromagnetic Field (EMF) emissions from mobile towers on health, it is intimated
that World Health Organization (WHO) has referred to approximately 25,000 articles
published around the world over past 30 years, and based on an in-depth review of
scientific literature, has stated, ―Despite the feeling of some people that more
research needs to be done, scientific knowledge in this area is now more extensive
than for most chemicals.‖ WHO has concluded - ―current evidence does not confirm
the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low level
electromagnetic fields. WHO has recommended that National authorities should
adopt international standards to protect their citizens against adverse levels of RF
fields and referred to the international Exposure Guidelines developed by the
International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The main
conclusion from the WHO review is that EMF exposure below the limits
recommended in the ICNIRP international guidelines do not appear to have any
known consequence on health.

148. In the year 2008, DoT adopted the ICNIRP guidelines that are recommended
by WHO for basic restriction levels of electromagnetic emission from mobile towers.
Further, based on media reports and public concerns an Inter-Ministerial Committee

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(IMC) consisting of officers from DoT, Indian Council of Medical Research (Ministry
of Health), Department of Biotechnology and Ministry of Environment and Forest
was constituted on 24.08.2010 to examine the effect of EMF Radiation from base
stations and mobile phones. The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) in its report, has
examined the environmental and health related concerns and has indicated that
most of the laboratory studies were unable to find a direct link between exposure to
radio frequency radiation and health; and the scientific studies as yet have not been
able to confirm a cause and effect relationship between radio frequency radiation
and health. The effect of emission from cell phone towers on human health is not
known yet with certainty.

149. Based on the recommendations by Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC), norms

for exposure limit for the Radio Frequency Field (Base Station Emissions) have been
made further stringent and reduced to 1/10th of the existing limits prescribed by
ICNIRP. These limits were further reviewed in 2014, based on recommendation of a
committee that was setup at the behest of High Court Allahabad, Lucknow bench.
The Committee in their report submitted in 2014, has, inter-alia, noted that ―there are
no conclusive evidence to establish any causal link between the effect of EMF
radiation from BTS with biological effects described in cell models, animals or
humans, and any possible resulting health effects.‖ After due consideration of the
human health concerns on account of EMF radiation being raised in public and the
Report of the Committee, the Government has decided, in February 2014, that the
present prescribed precautionary EMF safe exposure limits are adequate and need
no further change at this stage. In February, 2020, the WHO, in Q&A session on ―5G
mobile networks and health‖ again clarified that ―To date, and after much research
performed, no adverse health effect has been causally linked with exposure to
wireless technologies.

150. The Committee also enquired from the Department whether some
Governments are halting 5G until their health authorities have reviewed the impacts
to environmental and human health. The Department in a written reply have stated

59
that no such information/report regarding halting 5G by some Governments until
their health authorities have reviewed the impacts to environmental and human
health, has come to their notice. Further, DoT is regularly monitoring the global
development in this regard. However, it is reiterated that EMF radiations from a
mobile tower, irrespective of technology being used, which are below the safe limits
prescribed by ICNIRP and recommended by WHO, have no convincing scientific
evidence of causing adverse health effects.

151. Clarifying on the issue, Secretary, DoT, during the sitting stated as under:
―….xxxx…different literature available world over including WHO clearly
say that this is unfounded and there is no basis to say that radiation from
the 5G will be harmful to the people.‖

152. Representative of a TSP during the sitting also stated as under:

―In fact, Indian standards are one-tenth of the global standards. We have
actually gone and put the emission standards which is one-tenth of the
global standards, and, therefore, there is no issue at all. As industry, we
work with the Government and we have made sure 100 per cent of our
towers are visible to anybody. We have a portal called Tarang Sanchar,
which anybody can go and see what is the emission taking place from any
tower in their neighbourhood. Further, by paying this small amount of
Rs.5000, they can actually have the DoT to go and do a test and give
them a certified test report.‖

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 Part-II
Observations/Recommendations

1. The Committee note that 5G is a new member of the vast global

communications eco system. The four components of this eco-system are
standards development, equipment design and IP development,
manufacturing and service provision. 5G standardization and deployment are
at a nascent stage and the technology is considered likely to reign the next
decade or more considering its relevance across industry verticals. 5G will
extend the use of technologies across new sectors of economy. It will enable
service providers to develop novel business models to offer innovative
applications in different economic verticals from industrial, commercial,
educational, healthcare, agricultural, financial and social sectors. Several
countries across the globe have already taken a foray into 5G technology.

2. The Committee note that an Inter-Ministerial High Level Forum for 5G

India 2020 was constituted in September, 2017 to articulate the vision for 5G in
India and to recommend policy initiatives and action plans to realize this
vision. This Committee submitted its Report titled ‗Making India 5G Ready‘ in
August, 2018. Based on the Report, the Government is creating an enabling
framework for development of 5G services in India. The 5G services are
expected to be introduced gradually and advance to a full range of services as
ecosystem and demand for services grows. As per the above Report 5G is the
next generation of cellular communications technology with evolutionary and
revolutionary services that can have a deep impact on India. 5G can unleash
new economic opportunities and societal benefits giving it the potential for
being a transformational force for Indian society. It can help the country
leapfrog the traditional barriers to development as well as advance the ‗Digital
India‘ Mission. The cumulative economic impact of 5G on India can reach one
trillion USD by 2035. The Committee note that the 3GPP (3rd Generation
Partnership Project), an industry driven standardization body that has
undertaken the standardization of mobile technologies for the past 25 years, is

61
currently in the process of developing standards for 5G networks based on
the ITU requirements. The Committee have been informed that the Fifth
Generation (5G) mobile communication technology is a paradigm shift in the
field of communications as it not only enables human to human
communications but machine to machine communication in a digitally
connected world with a variety of use cases.
However, there are apprehensions that India is set to miss the ‗5G bus‘
due to lack of preparedness, spectrum issues, inadequate use-case
development, uncertainty around sale of radio waves for 5G, etc. The
Committee find that inadequate availability of spectrum, high spectrum prices,
poor development of use cases, low status of fiberization, non-uniform RoW
issues, deficient backhaul capacity, etc. are some of the factors coming in the
way of rolling out of 5G services in India. Considering the immense benefits
of 5G for a country like India, the Committee took up the subject ‗India‘s
preparedness for 5G‘ for detailed examination. During the course of
examination of the subject, the Committee heard the views of the
representatives of the Ministry of Communications (Department of
Telecommunications) and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The
Committee also heard the views of the representatives of the Cellular
Operators Association of India (COAI), Telecom Equipment Manufacturers
Association of India (TEMA) and representatives of three Telecom Service
Providers viz., Reliance Jio Infocom Limited, Vodafone Idea Limited and Bharti
Airtel Limited. The Committee examined the subject in the light of the views
expressed by the above stakeholders and written documents/information
furnished by DoT, TRAI, COAI, TEMA and TSPs. The Committee also received
inputs from the professors of IITs involved in 5G Test bed development. All
the issues relevant to the subject have been dealt with in the succeeding
paragraphs.

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5G Deployment Around the World vis.-à-vis. Position in India
3. The Committee have been informed by TRAI that globally 118 operators
in 59 countries have deployed 5G network. Currently, the 5G network covers
around 7 per cent of the world population. It is expected that 20 per cent of
the world population will be covered by the year 2025. Major countries where
5G technology have been launched are USA, Canada, UK and European Union,
Asia pacific countries like China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, New
Zealand and Philippine etc. In Middle East, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar,
Kuwait, Bahrain have also launched 5G. In Africa, 5G has been launched in
South Africa. Mostly, 5G has been launched partially in these countries.
Countries in Asia Pacific like South Korea, Japan and China have witnessed
sizeable growth in 5G developments and possibly they are ahead of the curve.
The Committee are given to understand that so far China has already
developed more than 5 lakh 5G base stations covering around 7-8 per cent of
their population. Regarding status of deployment of 5G in India, the
Department have informed that 5G High Level Forum has given its report titled
‗Making India 5G Ready‘ to the Government in August, 2018. 5G Hackathon
had been organized and the Department have shortlisted 100 use cases for
further development. 30 out of 100 use cases will be demonstrated along with
TSPs to learn 5G use cases and roll out challenges. However, Cellular
Operators Association of India (COAI) has informed the Committee that even
though the report of the 5G HLF has been released by the Department of
Telecommunications in August, 2018 minimal implementation instructions
have been issued so far. Spectrum issues which are at the heart of 5G are yet
to be resolved. The TSPs, have submitted that spectrum bands for 5G are yet
to be identified and made available to them. The current reserve price of
spectrum is one of the highest in the world, which needs to be rationalized
taking into account per capita income and reserve price benchmarks of other
countries, 5G trial applications have been submitted by the TSPs in the month
of January, 2020, however, till date the guidelines for trials have not been
made clear and there is no set date for commencement of these trials. When

63
asked about the timeline for the rollout of 5G, the Secretary, DoT informed the
Committee during its hearings that in India 5G technology will initially ride on
4G technology. In the initial years, the core will be 4G and the radio access
network will be 5G. First it will not be rolled out pan India, but in selected
areas where the demand would justify the Capex. The Committee have been
informed that by the end of calendar year 2021 or beginning of 2022, there will
be some roll out in India in some specific uses, because 4G should continue in
India for at least another 5-6 years.
From the foregoing, the Committee are inclined to conclude that
sufficient preparatory work has not been undertaken for launching of 5G
services in India. As such, India has not moved beyond the modest beginning
stage as compared to other countries in the world. The Committee‘s concern
about this observation is enhanced by the fact that while 2G was deployed
globally in 1991, it was deployed in India only in 1995; 3G was deployed
globally in 1998 but deployed in India ten years later, i.e. in 2008. Similarly, 4G
services were launched in India 7 years after their global launching in 2008.
This reflects very poorly on our planning and execution. Now when many
countries are swiftly moving towards 5G technology, India is likely to witness
its deployment only by the end of 2021 or early part of 2022, that too partially.
So it is very likely that after missing the 2G, 3G and 4G bus, India is going to
miss on 5G opportunities, unless time-bound action is taken in core areas
where Governmental intervention is required. It is disappointing to note that
the Department have hardly learnt from the past delays as the vision for 5G
which was reflected in the constitution of the HLF and Expert Committees has
not been transformed into action on the ground is not reflected in the policies
formulated by the Government. The Committee trust that the Government will
take expeditious action on the pending recommendations of TRAI. The
Government are yet to take action on many of the recommendations of TRAI
on issues which have direct bearing on 5G deployment (outlined in
subsequent pages).

64
 While expressing their displeasure over the laid back approach, the
Committee recommend that the Department review all their policies relating to
5G, identify the areas which need concerted action and fast track their action
so that a conducive eco-system for 5G deployment is developed soon and
India is not left behind the race for 5G. The Committee desire that the
Department should conduct a thorough study of the experience gained by
other countries in successfully rolling out 5G for better understanding the
complexities involved in the process. The Committee further desire that the
Department apprise them of the reasons for delay and explain why India has
not been able to catch up and keep pace with comparable countries in rolling
out 5G services. The Committee may be kept informed of the progress made
as well as hurdles that in the Government‘s view impede such progress.

Allocation of Spectrum for 5G

4. The Committee note that International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
has identified two broad spectrum ranges for 5G, the frequency range-I and
frequency range-II. Frequency range-I extends from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz and
multiple frequency bands have been identified for 5G in this large range.
Frequency range-II is the millimeter wave band lying between 24.25 GHz and
52.6 GHz. Around 40 countries in the world have completed allocation of 5G
spectrum. So far as allocation of spectrum for 5G in India is concerned, the
Committee note that TRAI on 01.08.2018 had given their recommendation for
the auction of spectrum, in the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100
MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300-3400 MHz and 3400-3600 MHz bands for
providing mobile services. However, it is disturbing to note that even after the
lapse of more than 2 years since TRAI gave their recommendations for
auctioning of spectrum, including 3300 MHz to 3600 MHz in the prime band for
5G, the auction of spectrum in this band is yet to be done by the Department.
The Department while deposing before the Committee had informed that they
are still in the process of preparing a Cabinet Note for auction of bands like
700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz etc. excluding 3300-3600 MHz bands as
the Digital Communications Commission has decided to hold auction of 3300-

65
3600 MHz band separately. The bandwidth of 3300 MHz to 3600 MHz is
currently not used for 2G, 3G and 4G. It is envisaged to be used for 5G. The
Committee have also been informed that 5G will come in other bands like 700
MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz bands in times to come and also in millimeter wave
spectrum which are 224.2G GHz to 275 GHz. As this Report is being finalized,
the Committee have come to know from media reports that auctions for the
above bands except 3300 MHz to 3600 MHz are slated to be held in March,
2021. The coveted 5G spectrum has been kept out of the offer. The
Department had informed the Committee that 3300 MHz to 3600 MHz band will
also be auctioned sometime in the next six months or so. The Committee fail
to understand as to how the TSPs are going to move towards 5G technology
without spectrum, the lifeline for 5G, being allocated. No wonder the TSPs
and the industry body COAI were in unison in their demand for ―right
spectrum at right price‖ as the key for 5G rollout and pleaded for release of
spectrum at the earliest.
The Committee, while deploring the Department‘s unconscionably long
delay in auctioning of spectrum, recommend that spectrum auction including
auctioning of 3300 MHz to 3600 MHz be conducted at the earliest. The
Department have assured the Committee that 3300 MHz to 3600 MHz is going
to be auctioned in the next 6 months or so. While urging the Department to
take necessary steps so that auction of spectrum takes place early, the
Committee also desire that the process of spectrum allocation must be guided
by constitutional provisions and the doctrines of equality and larger public
good. They, therefore, trust that the Department will take all the appropriate
steps for the successful auctioning of the spectrum so as to avoid any
litigation or controversy which may further impede the process of 5G
launching.

Availability of Adequate Spectrum

5. The Committee note that the 5G ecosystem is currently available in
three bands, lower band, Mid Band 3300 MHz to 3600 MHz and millimeter wave
band (26 GHz and 28 GHz) for 5G deployment. Globally seven operators have

66
deployed 5G in lower band, 82 operators have deployed in mid band and more
than 8 operators have deployed in mmWave band. However, India at present
does not have sufficient spectrum earmarked for 5G in any of these bands.
Department of Space and Defence are seeking spectrum in the bands
identified for 5G. The Committee have been informed by COAI that to make
India 5G ready at the earliest, the Government need to allocate at least 100
MHz per operator in 3.5 GHz, at least 400 MHz per operator in mmWave
(26,28,37 GHz) and at least 2x10 MHz per operator in each of these bands in
Sub-GHz (600 MHz & 700 MHz). This is without taking into consideration the
requirement of the operators in E&V band. In 3.5 GHz, which is basically the
mainstream spectrum for 5G, almost every operator across the globe has 100
MHz. However, in case of India out of 300 MHz, 25 MHz are required for
satellite uses. About 100 MHz between 3.3 and 3.4 GHz has been demanded
by Defence. If this is deducted, only 175 MHz is available. The Committee note
that the Department are deliberating with Department of Space (DoS) and the
Ministry of Defence (MoD) for making sufficient spectrum available for 5G IMT
services. The Department have stated that they have received very positive
response and expressed the hope that the issue will be resolved. With regard
to mmWave spectrum, the same is yet to be earmarked in India. The average
4G spectrum per operator in India is around one-fourth of the global average.
According to submission made by one of the TSPs, we have four times more
people and four times less spectrum which means that spectrum available to
one person is 1/16th of the global average.
The Committee are fully aware of the extreme shortage of spectrum in
the country. Availability of 175 MHz only in 3300 MHz to 3600 MHz band will
mean that approximately 50 MHz or so spectrum per operator could be
allocated, which is far below the global average. The Committee note that not
allocating right amount of spectrum will not only deprive the customers of
good quality of services but also lead to severe under utilization of investment
made as the equipment installed cannot be optimally utilized. The Committee
are of the view that the issue of allocating the right amount of spectrum as

67
demanded by the industry needs to be addressed by the Department if India is
to have the real benefits of 5G. In this regard, the Committee recommend that
the Department need to have fruitful deliberation with Department of Space
and Ministry of Defence and an understanding must be reached at the earliest
for identification of adequate spectrum for 5G services. The Department
should also expedite the implementation of OFC based network for Defence
services. Efforts should be made to earmark and allocate mmWave band for
5G in consultation with TRAI.

Audit of Spectrum
6. The Committee note that TRAI as back as 2015 have recommended that
there is an urgent need for audit of all allocated spectrum both commercial as
well as spectrum allocated to various PSUs/Government organizations.
However, Government‘s decision in the matter is still awaited. The Committee
are of the view that audit of spectrum is essential for detecting under
utilization of this precious natural resource and also to assess the adequacy
and operating effectiveness on management control framework in order to
make its utilization more efficient. It is deplorable that the Department have
neglected such an important recommendation of TRAI, which is both future-
oriented and has serious implications for technological advancements. The
Committee would like the Department to explain as to why spectrum audit as
recommended by TRAI has still not been carried out so far by DoT and come
out with specific reasons/compulsions which has forced the Department not
to undertake such an exercise. The Committee desire that early decision on
spectrum audit may be taken on a priority basis and the findings of the audit
may be shared with the Committee.

Issues Relating to High Spectrum Price in the Country

7. COAI has informed the Committee that TRAI had recommended Rs.492
crore per MHz as reserved price for spectrum in 3300 MHz to 3600 MHz for 5G
which is far higher than the auctioned spectrum price in other countries.
Comparison of unit pricing of 5G spectrum with other countries indicates that

68
it is 07 times costlier than UK, 14 times costlier than Australia, 35 times
costlier than Spain and 70 times costlier than Austria. Bharti Aritel has
informed the Committee that the price recommended by TRAI is exorbitantly
high and ranges from 3-70 times of the market determined price of the
spectrum in other countries in absolute terms and is 16 times of the price in
relative terms. They are of the view that there is a need to strike a balance
between the Government‘s expectation to generate revenue from the auction
and growth of the sector and the overarching impact of 5G across the sectors.
Commenting on the issue, representative of TEMA stated that the policy of
spectrum in the country is of inverted structure. Raw material is expected to
be purchased at highest price and the product at minimum price which is
absolutely unviable. Having noted the unanimous view of industry
associations and Telecom Service Providers that spectrum price in India is
exorbitantly high and that there is a need to review the spectrum price by
taking into consideration factors, such as per capita and ARPU in the country,
the Committee sought the views of TRAI on spectrum price. TRAI, to the
surprise of Committee, have informed that if comparison is made in terms of
population and geographical size, India‘s spectrum price is one of the lowest.
The Committee note, however, that 5G is not intended to be rolled out
everywhere in the country, nor extend to the entire population, for some years.
TRAI further stated that there are well-defined parameters and if we compare
all these parameters India‘s price is very moderate. The Committee are also
given to understand that TRAI have given the reserve price of the spectrum
after due consideration of all the aspects and due consultation with the
stakeholders. The Department have informed the Committee that proposals
for auction of spectrum in various bands including reserve price, after due
consideration of TRAI recommendation will be placed before the Cabinet for a
decision.
The Committee further note that in order to ease the burden of high
spectrum cost, TSPs had been given a one-time opportunity to opt for a higher
number of installments (16) instead of the previously permitted 10 installments

69
in respect of spectrum auction deferred payment, subject to the Net Present
Value (NPV) being protected. The Committee have also been informed that
considering the stress in the sector, the Government have given an option to
the TSPs to defer payment of the spectrum auction installments due for 2020-
21 and 2021-22, either for one or both years. The Committee have been
informed that all the operational TSPs have generally opted for moratorium of
2 years and deferment of spectrum auction installments will ease the cash
outflow of the stressed TSPs and facilitate payment of statutory liabilities and
interest in bank loans. Their industry body COAI, on the other hand, have
stated that there is a need to rationalize other levies and duties on the telecom
sector so as to ease their financial burden, such as providing soft loans
against GST input line credit due to operator, reducing spectrum usage charge
by 3 per cent for all TSPs and license fees from 8 to 3 per cent, soft loans at
MCLR rate using the GST input credit as collateral etc.
Going by the merits of the submissions from both sides, the Committee
find that there are fundamental differences between the versions of TSPs and
TRAI on fixing of spectrum price in the country and there is a need to review
the spectrum pricing policy in the country. The divergent views given by the
two sides also implies that there is a need to revisit the nuances of spectrum
pricing in other countries and adopt the best practices. The Committee are of
the view that telecom is the backbone of many important sectors of economy.
Both DoT and TRAI which are at the forefront of telecom revolution in the
country need to pay adequate attention to the concerns expressed by the
TSPs and industry associations. Considering the stress in the sector and that
the 5G ecosystem is yet to be developed, keeping such a huge reserve price
for 3.3 GHz to 3.6 GHz will undoubtedly have an adverse impact on the ability
of the TSPs to fully rollout 5G in the country. At this rate, price for a block of
20 MHz will be Rs.9,840 crore and minimum price for 80 MHz per TSP will be
Rs.39,360 crore. In this, the Committee are of the view that long-term
consumer benefit should be the guiding principle and not short term revenue
maximization. TRAI need to take the TSPs on board as it is they who are

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contributing to the growth of the sector. The concerns expressed by TSPs and
COAI cannot be ignored but merit attention. Factors such as per capita
income and ARPU should also be taken into consideration. The Committee
recommend that the issue of high spectrum prices is looked into and
DoT/TRAI should come out with a convincing spectrum pricing policy that is
sustainable, affordable and acceptable to all, focusing on consumer interest
and socio economic goals of our country. The Committee also recommend
that the concerns raised by COAI for rationalization of levies and duties on the
telecom sector should also be given time bound consideration by the
Government, so that financial burden neither acts as a deterrent for TSPs in
their move towards 5G nor places an unsustainable burden on the Indian
customers.

Spectrum for Industrial Use

8. TEMA have submitted that apart from Enhanced Mobile Broadband
(EMBB), Industry 4.0 is the main driver for 5G. Industry 4.0. is mooted in the
concept of advanced manufacturing, also called Smart Manufacturing.
Industry 4.0 based solutions enable better interoperability, more flexible
industrial processes, and autonomous and intelligent manufacturing. Many
countries in the world like USA, Germany, UK and Australia have allocated 5G
spectrum for industrial development. For example, in Germany, Mercedes is
setting up a factory entirely based on 5G, termed as ‗Factory 56‘. Many
countries are setting aside spectrum and laying out policies for industrial
growth using 5G. Not only industry, captive users of mobile wireless
communications are industries, police, paramilitary, fire, forest and mining,
municipal corporations and public utilities as well as critical infrastructure
services like Railways, Metros, Airports, Sea Ports, Refineries, Highways, etc.
As per the present policy of licensing, TEMA have stated that they have to
apply to WPC/DoT for three licenses – Captive Mobile Radio Trunking Services
(CMRTS) License, Spectrum License and import License which usually takes
six months to two years. They have further informed the Committee that since
these captive users only need wireless spectrum for their ‗captive‘ use only, it

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appears that there should be no need for a separate CMRTS license. TEMA
have requested that TRAI may be requested to conduct a public consultation
on spectrum needs and issues for captive users. TEMA have also stated that
a group be formed to work out policy for spectrum allocation and spectrum of
5G for 4.0 industrial uses.
The Committee feel that Industry 4.0 will be one of the main drivers of
5G in days to come. However, the present licensing policy is not conducive to
the growth of Industry 4.0. The manufacturing industry‗s choice and decision
to come to India is heavily dependent on how quickly the Government of India
can go ahead and allocate spectrum for 5G-driven industry. The issues
relating to licensing and allocation of spectrum for Industry 4.0 need to be
properly streamlined to attract the manufacturing industry to set up their base
here and also to reap the full benefits of 5G in industry. In this regard, the
Committee desire the Department to look into the above suggestion given by
TEMA and also to explore all possible issues needed for the success of
Industry 4.0, so that spectrum can be allocated and proper policies are laid
down for industrial growth of the country using 5G. The Committee would like
DoT/TRAI to take the views of stakeholders on board in the matter.

Setting up of Indigenous 5G Test Bed

9. The Committee note that the Department of Telecommunications had
approved financial grant for multi-institute collaborative project to set up
‗Indigenous 5G Test Bed‘ for building end-to-end 5G Test Bed in India in
March, 2018 with total cost of Rs.224.01 crore. The Test Bed was expected to
be ready by October, 2020. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the work
of hardware design, fabrication and testing was adversely affected. The test
bed is likely to be set up by October, 2021. The Committee have been
informed that the indigenous test bed is completely home-grown and it is first
of its kind, wherein eight leading academic and research institutes have come
together to build the test bed with Government support. The eight
collaborative institutions are IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Madras, IIT

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Delhi, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IISc Bangalore, Society for
Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER) and Centre
of Excellence in Wireless Technology (CEWiT). India‘s effort is unique with
special focus on setting up a Test Bed that will be utilized by academic,
industry, telecom operators and startups to develop solutions and use cases
which can be India specific. The Test Bed is going to raise India‘s visibility in
the global forums and standardization bodies. The Committee also note that
‗5G Test Bed‘ project is focused on developing IPRs in the country in 5G
technology. Some of the IPRs generated by this project can also be utilized
for product development for the Defence sector of the country. It is expected
that technology spin-offs from this Test Bed will enable Indian industry and
startups to enter the Indian and global markets for 5G telecom equipment,
thus addressing a critical gap in our economic and security prospects. The
Department have informed the Committee that the Test Bed is not a
commercial project, only what is reasonable or affordable will be charged.
The Department also foresee a lot of private sector participation for testing.
The Committee are happy to note that the 5G test bed project which is a
good example of harnessing the talents and capabilities in the country is
progressing well and is going to be ready for operation by October, 2021. The
Committee hope that the balance fund of Rs. 45 crore allocated for the project
will be utilized fully and project becomes operational as per schedule. It is
indeed encouraging to note that some of the best Institutes in the country are
making collaborative efforts to develop end-to-end and open Test Bed for 5G.
While appreciating the efforts put in for 5G test bed as a right step for
promotion of indigenous technology, startups, Indian innovators, the
Committee desire that more such collaborative efforts are encouraged in
future too by involving more and more Institutes/Industry verticals. The
Committee recommend that efforts should be made to get the Test Bed ready
and operational as per schedule and the Department must ensure that the
deadline is not further extended. The Committee may be kept apprised of the
progress of the project and its technological spin-offs.

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Setting up of 5G Use Case Labs

10. As per the submission made by COAI, China has been working on use
case labs for last two years and claim to have more than 100 use cases for 5G
which have been built through initiatives from Government, academia,
operators and industry verticals. On the contrary, India does not have any
applications or Use Cases which are ready to promote business case and
capex investment by operators. Coordinated Government actions are required
for enabling digital transformation across sectors. A Digital Readiness Index
to measure the same for each sector should be there to monitor progress as
well as to enable development of India specific Use Cases. The Committee
are given to understand that the Department are working with different
Ministries/Departments for setting up of India specific Use Case in education,
healthcare, agriculture, public safety, fintech, etc. So far, Institute of
Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRT), an institute under
RBI, in collaboration of Department of Financial Services, has come forward
for setting up of 5G use case lab in Banking and Financial Services and
Insurance (BFSI). The Department are also presently working with Food
Safety and Standard Authority of India for setting up of use case lab in food
safety certification and Ministry of Health, AIIMS, Ministry of Housing and
Urban Development for setting up of use cases in respective domains. To
develop more use cases, the Department have organized 5G Hackathon and
have shortlisted 100 use cases for further development. Out of these, 30 Use
Cases wil be demonstrated along with TSPs to learn 5G use cases and roll out
challenges. On the suggestions of COAI for development of Digital Readiness
Index, the Department have stated that Broadband Readiness Index is similar
to Digital Readiness Index for Telecom sector. The framework on BRI
parameters has been prepared based on the objectives of NDCP-2018 and
inputs from the industry/expert. The BRI is envisaged to create robust and
high quality digital communications infrastructure, attract investments in
creating next generation digital communication infrastructure, simplification
of compliance and procedures and create a collaborative institutional
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mechanism between Centre, States and Local Bodies. An MoU has been
entered with Indian Council for Research on Institutional Economic Relations
(ICRIER) to develop Broadband Readiness Index for Indian States and Union
Territories for the period 2019-2022. The Committee also note that the
Department are engaged with the States/UT Governments for the development
of BRI and the report for the year 2019-20 is under finalization. COAI has
further submitted that India is consuming a very large amount of data per
capita in various industry verticals and there is a need to convert the data
produced into useful services through the development of Use Cases. The
Digital Readiness Index of various sectors can be monitored by a cross
sectoral entity, such as NITI Ayog. This will facilitate the monitoring of digital
transformation in various sectors and thereby facilitate the development of
Use Cases for development of digital services in the most digitalized sectors.
The Committee note with concern that even though Use Cases have
been developed around the world, in India no sufficient use cases have been
developed so far for successful implementation of 5G in India. The present
status indicates that India is far behind countries like China in term of
development of 5G. This will undoubtedly have an adverse impact on rolling
out of 5G considering that development of sufficient Use Case labs is required
for successful implementation of 5G. The Committee recommend the
Department to focus on development of Use Cases by providing suitable
incentives and support and Use Case labs which are currently under
development should be expedited. The Department need to involve more
Government Ministries/Departments, start ups/MSMEs, academia, telecom
service providers, industries, etc. for development of Use Cases for 5G in the
country with adequate funding and hand holding, wherever required.
Considering the fact that coordinated Government actions are required for
enabling digital transformation across sectors like health, transportation,
energy, agriculture, etc. the Committee desire that the Department may
consider assigning cross sectoral entity like NITI Ayog to monitor Digital
Readiness Index of various sectors so as to facilitate the development of use

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cases for development of digital services in the more digitalized sectors. The
Committee also recommend that the Broadband Readiness Index Report for
the year 2019-20, which is under preparation should also be finalized at the
earliest.

Experimental Spectrum Policy and Conduct of 5G Trial

11. The Committee have been informed by the Department that the
Government have allowed all applications for 5G trials, in limited areas and for
a limited time, to test potential 5G India specific use cases based on enhanced
Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine Type Communications (MMTC)
and Ulrtra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC) in isolation on non-
commercial basis subject to strict safeguards. The Department have received
16 applications for 5G trials, using imported as well as indigenous
technologies. 5G trials were likely to be started in 2-3 months. DoT have
issued guidelines for assignment of spectrum for trials across all available
spectrum bands on a nominal fee of Rs.5000. Guidelines for experimental
spectrum has also been issued. An Inter-Ministerial Committee has been
constituted under Member (Technology) in the Department of
Telecommunications for monitoring and evaluation of 5G technology trials.
With regard to Indian entities/TSPs that have been issued experimental
license, the Department have informed that so far one experimental (radiating)
license for 5G Test Bed at IIT, Delhi has been issued on 20.04.2018 with 3
months validity and 5G field trials have not yet been permitted. Though the
Department submitted that there are no major issues confronting trials in the
country, industry body COAI flagged a number of issues relating to trial
spectrum. These include, license for trial spectrum should be for minimum
one year, flexibility to conduct trial in any city/location within the circle as per
allocated trial spectrum, singe window clearance for the trial license, no
equipment/application vendor restriction for conducting lab trial, import duty
waiver in 5G trial equipment, etc. TSPs also echoed the same sentiment
during evidence that for proper commercial 5G roll outs to take place by 2022,

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there is an urgent need to initiate the trials now and start to build the
ecosystem. COAI brought out the concern that though TSPs submitted the
applications of 5G trial in January, 2020, till date the guidelines for trials have
not been made clear and there is no set date for commencement of these
trials. Bharti Airtel specifically emphasized that the lab and field trials of 5G
should be carried out extensively to test factors, such as interoperability,
testing of indigenous 5G infra based an Open RAN ecosystem with the
commercial 5G handsets. The trial is also critical to ascertain the
interoperability of 5G infra with the existing 4G networks, serving as an
underlay network for 5G services.
Notwithstanding the submission of TSPs, and the industry body, it is
really disturbing to note that 5G trials have not yet been permitted. This is in
complete contradiction to what the Department had informed the Committee
during examination of Demands for Grants (2020-21) in the month of February,
2020 that Government have allowed all applications for 5G trials in limited area
and for limited time to test potential 5G India specific use cases. The
Department have also issued only one experimental (Radiating) license to IIT
Delhi for 5G Test Bed in April, 2018 with 3 months validity. The Committee
wonder why spectrum for 5G trial has still not been allowed when the
Department have categorically stated that there are no major issues
confronting trials in the country. Considering that TSPs have submitted their
applications for 5G trials in the month of January, 2020, the Committee would
like to know the reasons for the delay in issuing spectrum for 5G trials to
TSPs. The Committee feel that 5G trials are an essential prerequisite for
building the 5G ecosystem and the Department need to take the issues of
experimental spectrum and early conduct of 5G trials more seriously. Any
further delay will only have an adverse impact on building an ecosystem for
5G in the country and will further delay the launching of 5G services. The
Committee recommend that the guidelines relating to experimental spectrum
are streamlined and implemented in letter and spirit. The concerns raised by
COAI for bringing in improvements in 5G trials may also be looked into by the

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Department. The Committee anticipate the number of field trials in the 5G
spectrum to accelerate in the coming days.

India‘s Contribution in Developing 5G Standards

12. The Committee note that the Department and Telecom Standards
Development Society India (TSDSI), in collaboration with the IITs, have been
successful in getting the Low Mobility Large Cell (LMLC) use case accepted by
ITU as one of the 5G requirements for rural area. LMLC reflects the need of
rural India in which the distance between two Base Stations will increase up to
6 km against 1.73 km by other technology. This technology will be beneficial
for India as well as other developing countries. The TSDSI has been
established to enable Indian industry to take the lead in international
standardization activities. Currently Indian contribution in design ownership
of telecom products is very limited and the Indian market has been a
significant user of global products. The Department have informed the
Committee that LMLC is part of the IMT-2020 requirements for ITU. This
mainly looks at rural connectivity by placing base stations at Gram
Panchayats and providing connectivity to the neighbouring villages and
farms. LMLC requirement was strongly supported by many African countries
in ITU. The Committee have also been informed that the standard could be
useful for deeper penetration in urban areas for other 5G applications.
Director, IIT, Kanpur has hailed the achievement of TSDSI facilitating the LMLC
contribution from India to ITU as an important beginning in 5G revolution.
Commenting on the issue, Director, IIT, Madras also stated that the rural
towers have to be located where the BharatNet fiber ends, i.e. at approximately
2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats. From the towers at these locations, neighbouring
villages numbering more than 3.5 lakh villages have to be provided wireless
coverage. Roughly 33 per cent of these villages are between 3-6 km away
from the Gram Panchayats, the rest being within 3 km. Ensuring coverage to
these villages at distance up to 6 km. is therefore crucial if a large fraction of
rural Indians is not to be left out of 5G as well. The Department have also

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informed the Committee that in addition to LMLC, academia, R&D units,
startups and Indian companies are participating with Government in 3GPP,
ITU, IEEE, IEC and are engaged in providing contributions to developing the
standards and trying to incorporate Indian technologies. The Committee are
given to understand that more efforts can be made by the Indian research
community to take their research contributions to 3GPP and other global
standards development organization such as IEEE through forum offered by
TSDSI.
The Committee are of the view that LMLC is a suitable technology for
providing telecom connectivity in rural India. The Committee are glad to note
that for the first time a global standard is emerging from India at ITU. This will
enhance rural coverage and reduce capex cost. It is indeed a big achievement
to note that LMLC use case has been accepted by ITU as one of the 5G
requirements for rural area. The Committee are given to understand that
LMLC is a test configuration for rural eMBB use case which has become part
of the IMT 2020 performance requirements at ITU. The Committee recommend
the Department to make sustained efforts to contribute in development of 5G
standards by engaging academia, R&D units, startups and Indian companies.
The Committee desire that the Department continue to represent the
aspirations of the rural population and facilitate their access to telecom
services and keep on safeguarding their interest in international forums such
as ITU.

Need for Harmonization of Indian Standards with the Global Standards

13. The Committee note that the need for enhanced rural coverage is one of
the important aspects to cover rural and remote areas. IIT Madras and
associate institutions have developed a variant to the 3GPP standard
(Release. 15) with the objective to enhance coverage in the existing standards
and also offered technology solution to implement it. This is called TSDSI RIT
and is self-evaluated by an Independent Evaluation Group and submitted to
ITU. The standard compliant to the requirements of 5G technology, the TSDSI

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RIT along with the original 3GPP standard have been recommended by the
ITU. Some of the other developing countries also supported the TSDSI RIT
considering its relevance for enhanced rural coverage, which implies reduced
capex costs to cover a certain defined area. One of the Indian operators also
supported the TSDSI standard. The Department have also informed the
Committee that after formal release of the standards, the TSDSI may
recommend the standard to DOT for its consideration. DoT will take a policy
decision after taking several factors into consideration on its Indian adoption.
The Department have further stated that TSDSI RIT has been approved by ITU
SG5 and one of the standards which has successfully completed all evaluation
steps for IMT 2020. This is hence qualified for commercial deployments. It is
in final stage of approval by the 193 member states of ITU. TSDSI-RIT (5Gi) is a
standard/technology specification approved by ITU which meets the IMT 2020
requirements (including LMLC) with enhanced performance for LMLC rural
eMBB use case. The concern of the TSPs relate to TSDSI-RIT.
COAI have submitted before the Committee that it is important to have
globally harmonized standards for 5G to allow interoperability and economies
of scale. India should adopt globally harmonized 3GPP standards. If India
adopts any standard other than 3GPP, it would disconnect India from the
globally harmonized standard, device & network ecosystem. This would
severely impact 5G rollouts, its adoption in India and increase cost. Bharti
Aitel also has submitted that current TSDSI RIT standards being proposed for
5G are not globally harmonized. The adoption of TSDSI RIT without global
harmonization would make India an isolated island in the global 5G
ecosystem. GSMA & GSA have raised concerns on the same with DOT. Bharti
Airtel have also cited examples of similar efforts in the past by other countries
like China (TS-SCDMA, local 3G standards), Korea (WiBro — local 4G
standards) etc. which proved to be failures due to the lack of harmonization of
these standards with the global ecosystem. COAI have further informed the
Committee that even after submission of the inputs of the TSPs to TSDSI
regarding technical errors, incompleteness, unimplementability aspects and

80
non-testability issues in TSDSI documents, these have not been incorporated
in the TSDSI RIT. Issues related to interoperability of the proposed
specification with global 3GPP specification still prevail and remain
unaddressed. Performance gain of proposed specifications compared to 3GPP
specifications have not been established. Also, the 3GPP has identified that
there is an overlap in the signalling messages of TSDSI, which will cause
interoperability issues. Globally harmonized standards also allow economies
of scale. The network and customer devices when developed for mass market
will have economies of scale; however, if isolated devices are to be developed
for niche market, the cost will definitely rise. COAI have suggested that the
timelines should to be laid down for resolution of gaps around Interoperability,
Performance, Implementation, Alignment, and IPR in the proposed TSDSI RIT
specifications.
When the Committee drew the attention of the Department to the above
concerns around standards, the Department have stated that India should
adopt standards that are harmonized sufficiently with global standards to
ensure inter-operability, roaming, and to derive ecosystem benefits such as
economies of scale. However, it is possible to adopt carefully enhanced
variants of the global standard that specifically provide some features of
importance to India such as enhanced rural broadband coverage, without
compromising on either inter-operability or economy of scale. ITU standards
are in final stages of approval for finalization. India has not adopted any
standard for 5G services as yet. On the apprehensions that India will trap
itself into a corner isolated from the global 5G ecosystem, Director, IIT, Madras
has informed the committee that this is wholly misplaced, as inter- operability
and compatibility between the 3GPP 5G and the TSDSI 5Gi standards can
easily be ensured, since the latter is merely an enhanced version of the
former. Moreover, there will be no cost implications as equipment will support
both standards through mere software selection and in a manner transparent
to the user.

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 The Committee find that the objective of TSDSI RIT to enhance rural
coverage is a worthy initiative; however, the concerns raised by COAI and
other TSPs are also alarming and a cause for concern. Going by the merits of
the views given by the Department and experts on the one hand and the
entirely different views of COAI and TSPs on the other, Committee would like
to sound a word of caution that while continuing with fostering innovation in
the field of development of 5G standards, India should adopt only those
standards that are globally harmonized to ensure interoperability, economies
of scale, and help build a conducive device & network ecosystem. Considering
that similar efforts in the past by other countries like China, Korea, etc. have
been failures due to the lack of harmonization of these standards with the
global ecosystem, the Committee would want the Department to be extra
careful before adopting such standards in the country. The Committee
recommend that the Department should look into the concerns raised by COAI
and TSPs and ensure that their concerns are adequately addressed. While
emphasizing that India should adopt the standards that are good for the
country, the Committee also desire that the Department should also take into
consideration the interests of all before taking the final decision and adopt
standards that will be in the best interest of the country.

Promotion of Domestic Manufacturing of Telecom Equipment and Affordable

5G Handsets

14. The Committee note that recently Government have taken many
initiatives under ―Make in India‖ and ―Atma Nirbhar Bharat‖ for promotion of
domestic manufacturing in the country. The Committee hope that domestic
manufacturing in the country will receive a fillip through the implementation of
these policies. The Committee are of the view that the promotion of proper
R&D is absolutely necessary for the success of telecom manufacturing in the
country. An ecosystem must be developed for complete manufacturing
rather than just assembly, as manufacturing gives much higher value
addition. A Telecom Research and Development Fund (TRDF) is to be
created with an initial corpus of Rs. 1000 crore for promoting research,

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innovation and manufacturing indigenous telecommunications equipment.
The Committee recommend that TRDF as proposed by TRAI should be
created at the earliest. Apart from this, the suggestions given by TEMA for
extension of PPP MII policies to private telecom operators, and TEC, DOT
technical specifications to all public or private operators as also State
Government/State PSUs, may be given a thorough consideration by the
Department. The Committee also note that India is a price-sensitive market.
Therefore, the success of 5G rollout will also greatly depend on the availability
of affordable 5G devices. The Committee note that the creation of a mobile
manufacturing ecosystem, including components, in the country is the need
of the hour. The Committee are also given to understand that the promotion of
globally harmonised standards for 5G will allow the development of common
smartphones/infrastructure, which will drive down the cost of services. The
local standards approach will affect affordable 5G devices, making the devices
cost higher apart from causing delay in the rollout of 5G. The Committee
recommend that the ecosystem for 5G smartphones and devices is created
and nurtured and right incentives are given to domestic manufacturers who
should be encouraged under ‗Make in India‘ and ―Atma Nirbhar Bharat‖ to
ensure that affordable 5G devices and smartphones are readily available for
the successful rollout of 5G services.

Development of Open RAN in the Telecom Network

15. The Committee note that in a single RAN model, the control to resolve
many of the challenges that confronts the TSPs on a day to day basis lies with
just one telecom vendor, which designed the particular hardware/software
because the software and interfaces remain either proprietary or ‗closed‘ by
the individual vendor and are often tied to the underlying hardware by the
same vendor. ‗Open RAN‘ is a movement in wireless telecommunication to
disaggregate hardware and software and to create open interfaces between
them. Open RAN is about de-coupling of hardware and software and thus
provides more choices and interoperability. In cost effective market like India,

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Open RAN promises to offer a substantial saving to the telecom operators and
also help in promoting ‗Make in India‘ and ‗Atma Nirbhar Bharat‘. The
Committee have been informed that Open RAN can have a large presence in
India provided supportive policy and enabling environment are put in place to
accelerate the revolution. Considering the fact that it has the potential to give
the legacy telecom equipment vendor a strong and effective competition in the
RAN market, the Committee desire that the Department create an enabling
environment for Open RAN in the country by providing financial incentives for
research, development and production of Open RAN solutions. The
suggestion of the TSP for enabling Open RAN Centre for Excellence is worth
consideration by the Department. This will not only lead to cost saving and
other benefits for the TSPs but will also help India to emerge as a global leader
in Open RAN hardware and software development. The Committee
recommend the Department to take suitable policy measures for promotion of
Open RAN in the telecom sector by providing requisite thrust in this direction.

Development of Indigenous 5G Technology

16. The Committee are given to understand that Reliance Jio had developed
its own 5G technology using 100 per cent homegrown technologies and plans
to offer it to other telecom companies. The Committee note that the
Department have sought details from them. However, the Department have not
tested the technology and examined it. Jio has also given an application for a
trial using their own technology. With regard to the development of 5G
technology by domestic industry, the Committee have been informed that
apart from Reliance Jio, 5G Test Bed is coming up with technology, and the
Department are also encouraging C-DoT to come up with 5G technology. ITI
has also recently tied up with system integrators like Tech Mahindra, TCS etc.
for 4G equipment. They are also discussing with couple of Indian companies
with 4G upgradable to 5G solutions. ITI has the capabilities to take up
manufacturing of Radio equipment for 4G/5G and has been discussing with
Original Equipment Manufacturers to have transfer of technology to

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manufacture these products. TEMA have also informed the Committee that
Indian OEMs have proved time & again their expertise on technologies. Indian
prowess on Software is recognized world over. In recent times there is more of
software in telecom equipment than hardware. Indian telecom equipment has
already proved them in implementing many mission critical and national
importance networks (Bharatnet, NFS, AFNET etc) based on domestically
developed equipment. 5G standards are Open standards. Foreign OEMs has
an edge in 2G, 3G & 4G; however, in the case of 5G, this is not the case. All
components can be developed individually with no dependency on one
component working over the other, as 5G Use Cases do not just cover Mobile
Users but a plethora of applications. TEMA requested that for 5G, domestic
procurement be made mandatory, so that Indian companies are able to first
have an in-country deployment base and then are enabled to enter the world
market. The Director, IIT, Kanpur also emphasized on the need for developing
indigenous 5G technology. According to him, India currently has an
insignificant share of its own homegrown product or equipment
manufacturing companies in the domain of mobile communication
technology. As discussed earlier, we missed the 3G and the 4G bus already.
However, due to the changed nature of network components and the
architecture of 5G, we now have an opportunity to develop products in India.
Unlike specialized hardware elements in the earlier generations of mobile
networks, a large number of equipment/network entities in the 5G network will
be based on software running on off-the-shelf hardware. Specialized chipsets
and hardware elements may not be needed for most of the network entities in
the 5G network, barring elements like Radio Frequency front-ends and the
antenna sub-system. This provides an opportunity to Indian vendors (R&D and
software vendors) to leapfrog and start developing a 5G network equipment
for deployments in India and across the world, given our expertise in software.
The Committee are of the view that the development of indigenous 5G
technology by the domestic telecom industry is very important in view of the
fact that India is greatly dependent on the import of telecom equipment.

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Considering that there will be multi-fold increase in demand for telecom
equipment to provide ubiquitous connectivity, it is desirable that the
Department should take initiatives to promote domestic capabilities and
support Indian companies for developing homegrown technologies. This will
not only help in addressing the burgeoning telecom import bill and help save
precious foreign exchange, but will also help in addressing national security
concerns. India has missed the 3G and 4G bus; however, it is comforting to
note that, due to the changed nature of network components and the
architecture of 5G, it offers us an opportunity to develop products in India. The
Committee note that the key design principles used by 5G networks called
`softwarization‘ of network components provides an opportunity to Indian
vendors (R&D and software vendors) to leapfrog and start developing 5G
network equipment for deployment in India and across the world, given our
expertise in software. The Committee recommend that sincere efforts must be
made by the Department so that India can take full advantage of the
opportunities emerging out of 5G. It will be a great achievement if Indian
companies can develop end-to-end 5G technology and emerge as global
players in 5G technology. The Committee would like the Department to work in
a mission mode in order to encourage Indian companies to develop home-
grown 5G technologies. The Committee further recommend that the
Department should make serious efforts to minimize their reliance on foreign
support and wherever unavoidable due regard be paid to national security
considerations.

Uniform RoW Policy across States

17. COAI have submitted that Uniform RoW policy across states has a
critical role in the operationalization of a strong and robust 5G telecom
network in the country. India lacks fiberized sites and there needs to be strong
Government push to build at least 50 percent sites on fibre. Providing free
RoW for this will be a great contributor in the national interest of providing 5G
access to the entire nation. Explaining the difficulties, the representative of

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Reliance Jio stated that there are multiple agencies right from State
Governments, Municipalities to RWAs which have erected entry barriers to the
laying of fibre. The ability of the TSPs to reach out to the customers is
seriously hampered by delays, exorbitant costs and non-uniform RoW rules
and this could be the single largest cause of delay in the expansion of the 5G
network across the length and breadth of the country. The Department have
stated that The Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016 (IT RoW Rules,
2016) govern the RoW for setting up of towers and laying of fibre in the
country. Some of the main challenges in providing RoW across all States/UTs
are delay in issuing permissions due to lack of an online single window
clearance system, lack of clarity regarding documents required for
submission of application for RoW permission, multiple policies with multiple
levies of charges and procedures by many States/UTs, lack of availability of
Government Land & Buildings for installation of Mobile Towers (as procedure
for the same has not been included by many States/UTs in their existing
policies). The IT RoW Rules, 2016 provide uniform rates for granting RoW
permission by the States/UTs. So far 16 States/UTs have aligned their RoW
Policies/Rules with the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016. Various
Seminars, Regional Workshops, Meetings are being held from time to time
with the States/UTs, including other stakeholders, for reviewing the
implementation of IT RoW Rules, 2016. Requests have been/are being made to
Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries of the remaining States/UTs from time to
time for aligning their RoW Rules/Policies with the IT RoW Rules, 2016. The
Committee have also been informed by TRAI that a very detailed
recommendations have been made by them. They have suggested that a time-
bound schedule should be prepared for grant of RoW permission and if
required, Municipal Act or the Municipal Corporation Act and the Panchayat
Act should be amended and specific provisions should be made. There is also
increasing cost overruns and in many of the cases the rates are prohibitive.
The Committee note that TRAI is going to work with the State Governments
and they are preparing a White Paper on it. TRAI have also suggested that to

87
improve the quality of service, modification of building bylaws is also very
much required. TRAI have taken up this particular issue with the Ministry of
Housing and Urban Affairs.

The Committee note that the Right of Way issue is still a big concern in
our country. Even though the Department had issued the Row guidelines in
2016, only 16 states have aligned their policies with the RoW rules. The result
is that different states are having different rules. Since Local Bodies and
municipal corporations are laying down separate rules and this has greatly
hampered the work of TSPs to lay fibre, the Committee are of the view that
considerable efforts need to be made by the Department on topmost priority
for implementation of uniform RoW policies. If the present situation continues,
then Row issues will definitely act as stumbling block and it will be difficult for
the TSPs to provide the best quality of services. To solve the RoW issues, the
Committee desire that the Department should look into the matter by taking
various stakeholders on board and come out with coherent and practical
solutions. In this regard, the Committee desire that the suggestions given by
TRAI for the time-bound issue of RoW permissions, suitable amendment of
Municipal or Panchayat Acts, building bylaws, fixing of uniform RoW rates
across the country, etc. may be considered by taking it up with concerned
Department/Ministry and appropriate authorities at the earliest. The
Committee feel that there should be common guidelines for States/UTs for
RoW permission and specific provisions for the same may be made in
Municipal law. Since modification of building bylaws is also very much
required, the Committee recommend that the Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs may be impressed upon to furnish their views and comments at the
earliest, to permit a suitable policy decision on RoW issues for the safe and
convenient passage of fibre and also come out early with a White Paper by
taking various stakeholders on board. The Committee also recommend that
TRAI complete the consultation process on the ―Roadmap to Promote
Broadband Connectivity and Enhanced Broadband speed‖ so that suitable

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recommendations may be issued to the Government for addressing all
remaining issues relating to RoW permissions.

Fibre as National Asset

18. The Committee note that Infrastructure Providers Category-I (IP-I) are
permitted to deploy and share passive infrastructure such as Dark fibre, Right
of Way, Duct space, and Towers on lease/rent out/sale basis to the licensees
of telecom services on mutually agreed terms and conditions. In the year 2009,
the scope of IP-I registration was enhanced to cover the active infrastructure.
However, IP-I providers are not permitted to own and share active
infrastructure, i.e., these elements should be owned by the TSPs. TRAI has
recommended to expand the scope of the IP-I providers, and permit them to
own, establish, maintain, and work all such infrastructure items, equipment,
and systems which are required for establishing Wireline Access Network,
Radio Access Network (RAN), and Transmission Links. The recommendations
are under consideration in DoT. Once implemented, this would increase
sharing of common active sharable infrastructure established by IP-I providers
resulting in efficient utilization of resources. The National Broadband Mission
launched in December 2019, to achieve the NDCP goal of 'Broadband for All',
highlights fiberisation of towers, to increase by around two and half times the
current number of fiberized telecom towers in the country. As per the latest
data available with TRAI, approximately 30 percent of the total base stations
are connected through OFC. Further, TRAI has already taken steps to increase
fiberisation through recent consultation paper on ―Roadmap to Promote
Broadband Connectivity and Enhanced Broadband speed‖, illustrating the
current footprint status, existing bottlenecks, and opportunities to increase
fibre penetration. As the Government is aiming to increase fibre footprint to 5
million-kilometer route and increase fiberized towers to 60 percent by 2022,
TRAI would furnish its recommendations on fiberisation soon. The Committee
also have been informed by the TSPs that 5G rollouts typically have been in
countries which are already having more than 90 per cent fibre rollouts. They

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have suggested that Government should incentivize the right of way by
creating a free right of way and creating fibre as a national asset. They have
asked for a well defined fibre sharing policy which can be shared by all from
PSUs to TSPs, so that 5 lakh towers can be lit by fibre. The sharing of fibre
and using fibre as a national asset has not been the case till now. Commenting
on the issue, Bharti Airtel has submitted before the Committee that the
connectivity of the BTSs through fiber is one important requirement for the
roll-out of 5G services. However, India remains highly under-fiberized,
providing connectivity to less than 30 percent of mobile towers and 7 percent
of our homes. Fibre needs to be accorded the status of essential national
infrastructure, and TSPs should be supported with zero RoW cost with single
window clearance so that they can fiberize their BTSs. Sharing of fibre
infrastructure across Govt. and private players should be made mandatory,
and a pricing model for such sharing needs to be adopted.

The Committee are in full agreement with TSPs that sharing of fibre will
provide a healthier competitive environment for telecom market. It will improve
economies of scale, avoiding duplication of networks where unnecessary. The
Committee note that, at present in India, IP-I providers are not permitted to
own and share active infrastructure and TRAI had recommended to expand
the scope of the IP-I providers. The recommendations are under consideration
in DoT. The Committee recommend that the Department should consider the
recommendation made by TRAI early, as this would increase sharing of
common active sharable infrastructure established by IP-I providers, resulting
in the efficient utilization of resources. The Committee further note that the
main reason that India remains a fibre-challenged country in the world is
because of difficulties, delays and costs associated with Right of Way
permissions from various state/local authorities, and it is high time these
issues are addressed. The Committee feel that there is an urgent need for a
well defined fibre sharing policy which can be shared by all starting from
PSUs to TSPs so as to increase fibre footprint and decongest our cities. The
Committee are of the firm view that introducing an enabling policy like single

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window clearance for the grant of permission for fibre laying will be of great
help. The Committee recommend that the Department should take all
necessary steps to increase India‘s fibre footprint so that the goal of covering
5 million kilometres and 60 per cent fiberized towers by 2022 is achieved.

Use of E and V Bands for Backhaul

19. The Committee note that fibre-based backhaul is still in its infancy in
India. There is inadequacy in terms of optic fibre cable density, both in urban
and rural areas, and a special focus for its densification in a time-bound
manner is essential for 5G deployment. TRAI has recommended a number of
strategies for increasing fibre penetration in the country and most of these
strategies have been reflected in the National Digital Communication Policy
(NDCP) 2018. The Committee have been informed that TRAI has recommended
giving the E band and V band for backhaul and V band, for some portion, as a
hotspot and Wi-Fi. The spectrum in E Band and V band will provide high
capacity backhaul links for mobile networks and is very important specially for
deployment 5G network. E-band was established in the US over 10 years ago.
Since then, E-band has grown steadily. E-band is now open in more than 85
countries and the most common regulation for E-band assignment is link-by-
link coordination. Over 70 countries across the world including US, UK, Korea,
Japan, Australia, Sweden, South Africa among others, have already opened up
the 60 GHz (V band) for delicensed usage. However, the Committee were
disturbed to see the anguish and frustration of TSPs that in India, the decision
to permit the opening of the E&V band for backhaul purposes is still pending.
The Department have replied that the issue of allotment of Microwave
Backhaul spectrum to the TSPs, which also include E&V Bands, is part of the
ongoing process of finalisation of ―Policy for Normative and Transparent
Assignment/Authorisation of Spectrum‖. The TSPs have requested that
Government may consider auction of E and V band along with the spectrum
auction. They have expressed the view that this will be like providing airwave
based fibre. TSPs have also expressed the view that delicensing is a problem.

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They have informed the Committee that in the last 18 months, 550 MHz has
been delicensed but this has not led to the proliferation of Wi-Fi. On the other
hand, the Committee have been informed by the Department that while the
TSPs want the E band to be auctioned, Internet Service Providers and others
are of the opinion that it should not be auctioned. The Department have further
stated that it will be allowed to be used for Wi-Fi only.

The Committee clearly note that TSPs are demanding an enabling policy
for the E and V bands, keeping in view their usage for both integrated access
and backhaul transmission. The Committee note that many fibre rich countries
like Japan and South Korea, among others, are already using E&V band for
backhaul transmission networks. Keeping in view the fact that the laying of
fibre requires manpower, in addition to considerable investments, and that the
provision of spectrum in the E&V band will provide the requisite high capacity
backhaul links for mobile networks which is essential in 5G deployment, the
Committee desire that the Department should identify the spectrum in E&V
band and frame a policy and suitable guidelines to allocate them to TSPs for
meeting their backhaul needs. The current cumbersome approval process
should also be amended. On the issue of delicensing the E&V band, the
Committee desire the Department to take a balanced approach where both
TSPs and ISPs come to an agreement so that both will equally benefit from the
allocation of this scarce resource. The Department should not lose sight of the
fact that the telecom operators as they themselves pointed out to have
invested thousands of crores in acquiring spectrum for providing telecom
services and hence they should not be deprived of providing services in
advanced technology due to want of backhaul requirements, which can be
taken care of by spectrum in E and V band. The Committee expect the
Department to evolve a policy that will give due consideration to all these
aspects.

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Security Scenario in 5G Climate

20. The Committee note that with so much data being shared through
mobile network, there is an increased risk of hacking of data on 5G
connections. Usually data including voice that goes through the network is
protected, considering the fact the network protocols reliably take care of
potential scenarios. Further, several applications, such as banking
transactions, are protected end-to-end with application specific encryption
keys. However, as 5G is a bouquet of technologies considered to work across
platforms, devices, radio technologies, the threat perception may be higher
considering the fact that rollouts have just begun and issues are still being
studied. When asked about India‘s preparedness with regard to the security
architecture for 5G, the Department have informed the Committee that
Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) provide telecom service in India after
obtaining licenses from DoT. Therefore, with regard to the security of Telecom
networks, TSPs have to abide by the 'Security Conditions' specified in chapter
6 of the license agreement. Further, DoT has notified the Indian Telegraph
(Amendment) Rules, 2017 enabling the Mandatory Testing and Certification of
Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) which prescribes that any telegraph
which is used, or capable of being used, with any telegraph established,
maintained or worked under a licence granted by the Central Government in
accordance with the provisions of section 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885,
shall have to undergo prior mandatory testing and certification in respect of
parameters as determined by the telegraph authority from time to time. The
Committee have also been informed that mandatory testing and certification in
respect of ―Security requirements‖ is planned to be implemented through a
scheme titled ―Communication Security Certification Scheme‖ (ComSeC).
National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) is responsible for
implementation of this scheme.
Reliance Jio has informed the Committee that from 5G onwards,
technology will become much more intrusive in our business operations,
given the applications, widespread digitisation, e-governance, the smart city

93
project, all the cameras in a city, the data centres, the device and the chipset
in the devices, etc. Now, the more open and dense this whole network gets,
the more vulnerable it becomes to threats. The threats are simple and can be
represented by the term STRIDE, where ‗S‘ stands for Spoofing, ‗T‘ stands for
Tampering, ‗R‘ stands for Repudiation, ‗I‘ for information disclosure, ‗D‘ for
denial of service making the network not available when it is needed, and ‗E‘
for what they call the escalation of privileges. The mitigation strategy to
combat STRIDE is to comply flawlessly with the right standards, ensuring that
the IPR is either our own or is validated in such a foolproof way that there is
absolutely no backdoor or hacking kind of scenario. TEMA have submitted
that while the focus is on 5G, it is important not to lose sight of the cyber
threats that are faced by existing infrastructure like small city networks,
BharatNet, power grid infrastructure, banking infrastructure, etc. 5G
infrastructure is going to be a national strategic asset. There is lot of data
being shared on 4G networks and it will only increase multifold in 5G
networks. Because of the increased dependency of communication networks,
the hacking of 5G networks is a very clear national security risk. The
Committee concur with the view that the only solution is to build secure and
trustworthy indigenous communication infrastructure. Vodafone Idea has
suggested that all our critical services should be hosted more from India as
compared to being hosted from outside and the user data and user
information should be secured in the Indian territories.

The Committee observe that while 5G promises to deliver low latency,

high speed and more reliable connections, there is going to be heightened
security risks in a 5G scenario. Managing security is going to be much more
complex and complicated as 5G is a bouquet of technologies that are
supposed to work across platforms, devices and technologies. STRIDE is just
one of the threat models identified by Reliance Jio. The Committee can well
foresee that 5G will generate massive data, both personal and non-personal,
which will demand special efforts for its protection. The growing concern over
availability and protection of user data and privacy will exacerbate with

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security challenges in 5G. The Committee are aware the Personal Data
Protection Bill, 2019 is still under consideration of the Government and will
deal with various data security issues. The Committee recommend that to
address the threat to data security, indigenous IPR, equipment and software
should be encouraged and developed. It is important to examine in detail the
need for critical services to be hosted from India so that user data and user
information are secured within Indian territory, provided this does not impede
India‘s access to global services and data flows. On the issue of mandatory
testing of telecom equipment, the Committee are concerned to note that the
Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirement has still not been finalized
and notified. The Committee recommend that it should be finalized at the
earliest. The Committee also feel that cyber security threats are a collective
concern and there is a need for a collective effort to build an effective
Government data protection and security strategy. The Committee are hopeful
that DoT will work in greater co-ordination with MeitY/Cert-In, State
Governments and other agencies on cyber security in the 5G environment.
The Committee also urge the Department to study the experience of other
countries on 5G rollout and report to them about their experience with regard
to security concerns.

Threat from Imported Telecom Equipment

21. The Committee are given to understand that there is a growing
reluctance by a number of countries globally to allow Chinese
telecommunications operators like Huawei and ZTE to rollout 5G services in
their territories. The US and the UK have already banned Huawei over
concerns of security. The Department have informed the Committee that they
are closely watching 5G development around the world and would take an
appropriate decision after evaluating all the pros and cons on 5G ecosystem
including social, economic and security considerations. The Department have
not specifically banned any company including Huawei and ZTE. In view of the
security-related concerns raised by various countries, such as USA and
European Union, the Committee feel that adequate precautions should also be

95
taken by India before installing telecom equipment from Chinese sources in
the Indian telecom network including 5G. The Committee desire that in-built
safety measures be put in place to ensure that the security of the country is
not compromised. The Committee also desire that such safety mechanisms
should be strictly adhered to by both the public and private telecom
companies.

Availability of Reliable Power Supply

22. The Committee note that the availability of reliable grid power in India is
one of the largest bottlenecks in upgrading the network. Only about 35 percent
of the towers in the country are connected to reliable power supply. As
regards rural areas, on an average, power supply is available for just 10-12
hrs. Since telecom services are to be maintained on 24x7 basis, the shortfall in
the power supply is supplemented through alternate power sources like DG
sets, renewable energy solutions and high efficiency battery deployment. The
Committee are of the view that there is an urgent need to augment grid power
supply, especially in rural areas, by taking up the matter with the Ministry of
New and Renewable Energy. This will not only ensure better quality of service
but will also help in the greening of the telecom sector. The Committee also
recommend that the Department should make an active effort to introduce
renewable energy, such as solar energy, to power telecom towers in the
country. The Committee are also of the view that the Department must take
the necessary steps to utilize the existing tower infrastructure for installing
antennas of the TSPs.

5G to BSNL and MTNL

23. The Committee are concerned to note that 4G spectrum has still not
been allocated to BSNL/MTNL, even though the Cabinet in its meeting held on
23.10.2019 had approved the administrative allotment of spectrum for 4G
services through capital infusion. The funds for 4G spectrum has been
allocated in FY 2020-21. BSNL had floated a tender on 23.03.2020 for a 4G

96
Mobile Network on turnkey basis. However, due to some policy issues, that
tender has been cancelled and a fresh tender will be floated compliant with
PMI provisions to give preferential treatment to domestic vendors as per
Government of India guidelines. State-owned BSNL and MTNL have not yet
planned the introduction of 5G services yet on their networks. TEMA has
desired that to promote domestic manufacturing it is important that
BSNL/MTNL survive, because only PSUs are placing orders for Indian
manufactured goods. BSNL, which is of strategic importance, purchases Make
in India, IDDM products which might remain unsold otherwise. The issue
remains of why Indian manufactured products are not deemed sufficiently
attractive by other entities.

The Committee observe that the revival of BSNL/MTNL is critical for

domestic telecom manufacturing industries as they are the only ones
purchasing Indian manufactured goods, and they have been implementing
important schemes in remote rural areas and LWE affected areas. In such
circumstances, the survival of BSNL/MTNL is in the national interest. In order
for BSNL/MTNL to remain viable telecom service providers in the country, the
Committee recommend that necessary measures be taken to allocate 4G
spectrum to them at the earliest. The Committee also recommend that the
Department also take adequate measures to ensure that 5G spectrum be
allocated to BSNL/MTNL at the same time as private TSPs, so that they are in a
position to compete and stay relevant in the market. They recommend that if
necessary, the Government can provide necessary guarantees, such as
through a Letter of comfort to BSNL/MTNL to facilitate 4G/5G allocation.

Coordinated Effort Across Sectors for 5G Eco-system

24. The Committee note that it is important to develop India-specific Use

Cases across different verticals for utilizing the 5G ecosystem. The cross-
sectoral Use Cases would require coordinated efforts in managing the 5G
ecosystem with cross-sectoral involvement. The Committee have been
informed that for cross-sectoral cases of M2M/ IoT, in order to bring M2M

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industry concerns and regulatory bottlenecks, DoT has proactively formed an
M2M Apex Body, a M2M Review Committee and a M2M Consultative
Committee. Domain experts from every vertical that has been considered as a
potential M2M/IoT market have to get together to address the concerns and
also be enlisted to serve in an advisory role to the policy making bodies of the
Government. A consultative Committee has been constituted incorporating
representatives from Standardizing bodies such as Bureau of Indian
Standards (BIS) and Telecom Standards Development Society of India (TSDSI)
and sectoral industry representative bodies to bring M2M industry concerns
and regulatory bottlenecks to the notice of the Apex body. The scope of the
existing committees can be expanded or broadened for inclusion of all the 5G
use cases.
The Committee observe that 5G will lead to the convergence of multiple
sectors and critical sectors will no longer work in silos. This calls for
convergence between various regulatory bodies/authorities so as to arrive at a
consensus on multiple regulatory frameworks and different laws applicable to
them. The Committee recommend that the scope of the existing Committees
should be expanded or broadened for inclusion of all the 5G Use Cases. The
Committee also recommend that efforts must be made by the Department to
work in tandem with different Ministries so that an inter-sectoral regulatory
body to deal with regulatory issues emerging due to the development of 5G
Use Cases in different sectors may be identified and set up at the earliest. The
Committee trust that such regulatory bodies shall intervene in conflict
situations and also help formulate policies that will promote innovation in
development of 5G Use Cases and local entrepreneurship in the country.

5G and Health Concerns

25. The Committee note that the International Commission for Non-Ionizing
Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) issues guidelines for limiting exposure to
electromagnetic fields which cover many applications such as 5G
technologies, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Mobile phones, and base stations. The

98
Department have informed the Committee that WHO has concluded that
current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences
from exposure to low level electromagnetic fields. In the year 2008, DoT
adopted the ICNIRP guidelines that are recommended by WHO for basic
restriction levels of electromagnetic emission from mobile towers. An Inter-
Ministerial Committee (IMC) was constituted in 2010 to examine the effects of
EMF radiation from base stations and mobile phones. The Committee note that
based on the recommendation of IMC, the norms for exposure limit for the
Radio Frequency Field (Base Station Emission) have been made further
stringent and reduced to 1/10th of the existing limit prescribed by ICNIRP.
After taking into consideration the concerns raised in public and report of the
IMC, the Government in 2014 decided that the present prescribed limits are
adequate and need no further change. WHO has again clarified in 2020 that to
date, and after much research performed, no adverse health effect has been
causally linked with exposure to wireless technologies. The Department have
also informed the Committee that no information or report has come to their
notice regarding any Government halting the rollout of 5G until their health
authorities have reviewed its impact on the environment and human health.
As earlier noted, the Committee have also been informed that there is a portal
called TARANG Sanchar, where anybody can go and check the levels of
emission taking place from any tower in their neighbourhood.
The Committee are glad to note that India had adopted an exposure limit
of Base Stations that is 1/10th of the existing limit prescribed by ICNIRP,
thereby ensuring that the levels of permitted exposures are much lesser in
India when compared with other countries that have adopted the ICNIRP
guidelines. However, there are many citizens‘ groups, RWA, local
organizations which are not convinced of the findings made by WHO
regarding the absence of adverse health effect due to exposure to radiation
from base stations of mobile towers. The Committee have also received
representations from noted citizens‘ groups expressing fear relating to
radiation which they feel will escalate due to intrusive technology of 5G. The

99
Committee feel that 5G technology is still in a nascent stage and the real
dangers of radiation for health will become clearer only when its application
becomes all pervasive. The Committee recommend the Department not only
to rely on the reports of WHO, but to keep their eyes and ears open to other
studies and scientific researches that emerge from time to time on health
hazards from 5G radiation. The Committee also recommend that the
Department should collaborate with other Ministries and Institutes for a long-
term India-specific research to study the impact of EMF from mobile towers
and propose adequate budgetary allocation for this purpose. At the same time,
the Department/TRAI should carry out a continuous and effective awareness
programme to educate the masses. While appreciating the Department‘s
launching the TARANG Sanchar Portal, the Committee are of the view that
greater efforts need to be undertaken by the Department to increase the
visibility and awareness of the portal among the general public.

Telecom Services as Essential Services

26. The Committee are of the view that telecommunications services have
become inevitable for the growth of key sectors in the country. Its role and
importance in business and Government, and in empowering different
sections of society, can hardly be overstated. It is also becoming a force
multiplier for various other sectors of the economy. Considering its
importance for business, Governments and various other sectors, the
Committee feel that it is a high time that the Government should treat
telecommunications services as an essential service like water and electricity
and accord ICT the status of essential national infrastructure. The telecom
sector needs to be treated as an important strategic sector and no longer only
as source of revenue for the Government. The Committee, therefore, desire
that necessary legislation be formulated to declare telecom services as an
essential service and telecom infrastructure as critical infrastructure of the
country. The enabling legislation can also address several related issues
such as theft of fibre, disruption of services, RoW, cyber security measures
and other matters addressed in the present report, which are well beyond the
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scope of the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885. Such new legislation can underpin
the various measures reviewed by the Committee in this report, and equip the
country better to take its place as a significant telecommunications power in
the 21st Century.

New Delhi; DR. SHASHI THAROOR,

04 February, 2021 Chairperson,
15 Magha, 1942 (Saka) Standing Committee on
Information Technology.

101
 Appendix-I

STANDING COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(2019-20)

MINUTES OF THE TWENTY-FIRST SITTING OF THE COMMITTEE

-----------

The Committee sat on Tuesday, the 11 August, 2020 from 1100 hours to
1345 hours in Main Committee Room, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.
PRESENT

Dr. Shashi Tharoor - Chairperson

MEMBERS

Lok Sabha

2. Smt. Locket Chatterjee

3. Dr. Nishikant Dubey
4. Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse
5. Ms. Mahua Moitra
6. Shri Santosh Pandey
7. Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
8. Shri L.S. Tejasvi Surya
Rajya Sabha
9. Dr. Anil Agrawal
10. Shri Syed Nasir Hussain
11. Shri Shaktisinh Gohil
Secretariat
1. Shri Y. M. Kandpal - Director
2. Dr. Sagarika Dash - Additional Director
3. Shri Shangreiso Zimik - Deputy Secretary

102
 List of Witnesses
Department of Telecommunications

Sl. No. Name Designation

1. Shri Anshu Prakash Secretary

2. Shri K. Ramchand Advisor
3. Shri Hari Ranjan Rao Joint Secretary
4. Shri YGSC Kishore Babu DDG
5. Shri R. K. Pathak DDG
6. Shri Surendra Rai DDG

Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI)

Sl. No. Name Designation

1. Lt. Gen. Dr. S P Kochhar Director General

2. Shri Vikram Tiwathia Dy. Director General
3. Shri Vertika Misra Sr. Director

Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association (TEMA)

Sl. No. Name Designation

1. Shri Ravi Sharma Chairman, TEMA

2. Prof N.K. Goyal Chairman Emeritus, TEMA

3. Shri Saurabh Kumar Vice Chairman, TEMA Integration

Council, Vice President, Sterlite
Technologies Ltd.

4. Shri Bharat Bhatia Chairman, Empowering India

through Wireless Spectrum Council
and President ITU APT India.

5. Shri Sandeep Aggarwal Vice Chairman, TEMA, Chairman PH,D

Telecom Committee, Co Chairman
TEPC

6. Shri Rajiv Aggarwal Vice Chairman, TEMA Finance

Committee, CFO Primetel Plus staff to
help in adm maters

7. Ms. Manisha Kumari, GM, TEMA

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2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the Members to the sitting of the
Committee convened for briefing by the representatives of the Department of
Telecommunications on the subjects…..xxxxx…xxxxx….. and ‗India‘s preparedness
for 5G‘ and to hear the views of the representatives of the Cellular Operators
Association of India (COAI) and Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association of
India (TEMA) on the subject ‗India‘s preparedness for 5G‘.

(The representatives of the Department of Telecommunications were then called in)

3. …..xxxxx…xxxxx…..…..xxxxx…xxxxx…..…..xxxxx…xxxxx…..
4. …..xxxxx…xxxxx…..…..xxxxx…xxxxx…..…..xxxxx…xxxxx…..
5. …..xxxxx…xxxxx…..…..xxxxx…xxxxx…..…..xxxxx…xxxxx…..
6. Thereafter, the Committee took up the subject ‗India‘s preparedness for 5G‘
for examination. The Chairperson in his initial remark drew the attention of the
representatives of DoT to the findings of inter-Ministerial High Level Forum 5G India
2020, lack of preparedness, lack of spectrum, inadequate use case development,
uncertainty around the sale of radio waves for 5G, etc.
7. The representatives of the Department made their submission on the issues
pertaining to 5G such as Mobile Technologies and 5G, 5G vision for India,
illustrations of 5G applications in the field of agriculture, transport, surveillance and
traffic management, education, health, etc., status of setting up of indigenous 5G
Test Bed and deployment strategy, India‘s contribution in 5G standard development,
status of 5G technology development in India, etc. During the course of deliberation,
Members raised queries on issues such as measures for promotion of domestic
manufacturing industry, status of utilization of funds available with USOF, status of
development of indigenous 5G Test Bed, status of utilization of funds allocated,
criteria for selecting the institutes for development of 5G Test Bed, availability of
spectrum, etc. The representatives of the Department responded to the above
queries.

8. The Chairperson, then, thanked the representatives of the Department of

Telecommunications for deposing before the Committee.
(The witnesses then withdrew.)

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[The representatives of Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) and Telecom
Manufacturers Association of India (TEMA) were then called in]

9. The Chairperson welcomed the representatives of COAI and TEMA to the

sitting of the Committee. The representatives of TEMA submitted before the
Committee on the need for India to develop an eco system for complete
manufacturing rather than just assembly to become global destination for
manufacturing, need to promote R&D in security networks, immediate release of
spectrum for industrial 4.0 uses. TEMA suggested that BSNL should be asked to
promote connectivity in North-East, Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas and border
and hilly areas on priority.
10. Thereafter, the representatives of COAI made their presentation focusing on
issues, such as status of availability of 4G in India. impact of restricting Huawei and
ZTE from supplying telecom equipment, need for inter-Ministerial consultation for
spectrum allocation, support required from Government for 5G readiness viz.
internationally harmonized spectrum, gaps and delay in allocation of trial spectrum
for 5G, uniform RoW policy across States and need for high fiberization, etc. They
emphasized on the need for 5G use cases and coordinated Government action for
enabling digital transformation across sectors and a digital readiness index to
measure the same. They urged for rationalization of regulatory levies such as
License Fees, spectrum usage charges, USO Levy and costs, etc.

11. The queries raised by the Members were responded to by the representatives
of TEMA and COAI. At the end, Hon‘ble Chairperson thanked the representatives of
COAI and TEMA for presenting their views before the Committee.
The witnesses then withdrew
Verbatim proceedings of the sitting have been kept on record.
The Committee, then, adjourned.
___________________________________________________________________
….xxxxx… Matters not related to the Report

105
 Appendix-II

MINUTES OF THE FOURTH SITTING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (2020-21) HELD ON 27th OCTOBER, 2020
-----------

The Committee sat on Tuesday, the 27th October, 2020 from 1600 hours to
1900 hours in Committee Room No. ‗3‘, Extension to Parliament House Annexe,
New Delhi.

PRESENT
Dr. Shashi Tharoor – Chairperson

MEMBERS

Lok Sabha

2. Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse

3. Shri Dhairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane
4. Ms Mahua Moitra
5. Shri P.R. Natarajan
6. Dr. Gaddam Ranjith Reddy
7. Shri Jayadev Galla
8. Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma

Rajya Sabha

9. Dr. Anil Agrawal

10. Shri Y.S. Chowdary
11. Shri Syed Zafar Islam
12. Shri Nabam Rebia

SECRETARIAT

1. Shri Y.M. Kandpal - Joint Secretary

2. Dr. Sagarika Dash - Additional Director
3. Shri Shangreiso Zimik - Deputy Secretary

106
 List of Witnesses

Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited

Sl. No. Names Designation

1. Shri Shyam Prabhakar Mardikar Group CTO

2. Shri Mahipal Singh VP, Regulatory
3. Shri Ravi P. Gandhi President, Reliance Retail

Vodafone Idea Limited

1. Shri P. Balaji Chief Regulatory & Corporate

Affairs Officer
2. Shri Mudit Agarwal Executive Vice President -
Technology
3. Shri Sundeep Kathuria Executive Vice President –
Regulatory & Policy

Bharti Airtel Limited

1. Shri Sandeep Gupta Head Strategy and Architecture

2. Shri Tarun Chitkara General Manager (Regulatory
Affairs)

Department of Telecommunications (DoT)

Sl. No. Names Designation

1. Shri Anshu Prakash Secretary (Telecom)

2. Shri K. Ramchand Member (Technology)
3. Smt. Anita Praveen Additional Secretary (Telecom)
4. Shri Hari Ranjan Rao Joint Secretary (T)

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

1. Dr. P.D. Vaghela Chairman

2. Shri S.K. Gupta Secretary
3. Shri Rajiv Sinha Principal Advisor (NSL)
4. Shri S.T. Abbas Advisor (NSL-II)

107
2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the Members to the sitting of the
Committee convened to hear the views of the representatives of Telecom Service
Providers (TSPs) i.e. Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, Vodafone Idea Limited and
Bharti Airtel Limited, Department of Telecommunications and Telecom Authority of
India (TRAI) on the subject ‗India‘s preparedness for 5G‘.

(The representatives of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, Vodafone Idea

Limited and Bharti Airtel Limited were then called in)

3. Welcoming the representatives, the Chairperson sought the views of Telecom

Service Providers (TSPs) on their preparedness for the 5G services in India and
their level of engagements with DoT and TRAI on this issue.
4. Taking the floor, the Group CTO of Reliance Jio drew the attention of the
Committee to the humungous amount of work required to be done in a country of
this size with demographic disparities for launching of 5G services. Flagging concern
over lack of digital fibre network and broadband challenges before the country, he
expressed views that 5G would need a significant change in the way of policy, the
subsequent implementation, the execution of right of way and availability of reliable
grid power. The representative of Jio also submitted that right amount of spectrum
at right prices as per the global practices would be essential to carry out 5G services
effectively. To achieve the desired objectives, incentivisation of whole ‗Make in
India‘ scheme and the right intellectual properties in the country would be essential
from an affordability perspective as well as from compelling nature of technology, he
added. On security aspect, he was of the view that 5G becoming more intrusive in
the business operations, would become more vulnerable to threats which can be
abbreviated as STRIDE (Spoofing, Tempering, Repudiation, Information Disclosure,
Denial of Services and Escalation of Privileges) which could be mitigated through
complying flawlessly with the right standards ensuring that the IPR is either our own
or is validated in a foolproof way. On the issue of their current level of engagements
with DoT and TRAI, the Committee were informed by the JIO representative that all
the TSP are together and in discussion on trial spectrum and full trial labs.

5. Thereafter, the representatives of Bharti Airtel briefed the Committee about

5G. He alluded that right amount of spectrum with right pricing and development of
IPRs in Indian market, including need of adequate and proper infrastructure with
fibre sharing policy are essential pre-requisite for the 5G launch. He desired
Committee to help Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) in getting the infrastructure
ready for fibre rollout which is going to be the platform for 5G network. Expressing
concern over creating islands of technology through some standards which are
specific to India he apprehended that this will actually become bottleneck to the 5G
mission and, therefore, stressed the need for harmonizing Indian standards globally.
He added that smart phones and connected devices will be important pre-requisite
for 5G and therefore an appropriate ecosystem for 5G smart phones and devices

108
with proper incentivisation under ‗Make in India‘ is the need of hour. The
representative of Bharti Airtel also stressed the need for having innovations in 5G
technology in right direction with global harmonization.
6. The representative of Vodafone who took the floor thereafter was of the view
that lot of efforts are required to be made to derive huge socio-economic benefits of
5G which would need alignment of roadmaps with worldwide standards. He was of
the view that India need to initiate the 5G trials now with an ecosystem. He
supported the idea of use of wireless technology to reach people faster. In order to
achieve the target of 90 per cent fibrization for 5G services, the representative of
Vodafone pleaded for the auction for allocation of E&V band with spectrum
allocation. Touching upon the issue of impact of 5G in HR development the
representative from Vodafone seemed optimistic that early launch of 5G would open
up many digital jobs in the world economy. He, however, insisted on price stability
for the already stressed sector with the floor pricing in order to create a robust
industry which may contribute to the exchequer as well as be useful by way of
revenue sharing. He desired that National Digital Communications Policy 2018
should be implemented quickly in order to put more money in the hands of industry
to invest faster and capitalize 5G movement.
7. On a specific query by the Chairman regarding building a competitive
environment in order to give benefits to the consumers, the representatives of
industry were of the views that a vibrant industry will be built on the certain price
stability which all of them have requested for and sought intervention of the
Committee in this matter.
8. The Chairperson drew the attention of the representatives to a TRAI report
which speaks that India would be the largest user of E-band in the world and desired
clarity in the matter. The industry representative informed the Committee that there
were two bands E & V and both of them are available but unused which need to be
delicensed in a systematic manner. The representatives sought help of the
Committee in getting them E-band to rollout their so called fibre in air or wireless
fibre.
9. On the issue of potential danger of 5G technology on health, the
representatives informed that Indian standards are 1/10 of the global standards and
therefore this is not a cause of concern. They further informed that they have a
portal called Tarang Sanchar which enables anybody to go and see the rate of
emission that is taking place in the tower of neighbourhood and suitable corrective
measures including penalties have been put in place.
10. The Members raised various queries regarding the reserve price, better cash
flow and profitability in the sector, price stability, low level of preparedness in rural
areas, urban rural divide, inadequate fibrization of towers, identifications of bands for
Service Providers, Defence, etc., cyber security, manufacturing of 5G handsets,
global harmonization of standards, R&D, Chinese collaboration in the 5G business,
etc. which were replied to by the TSPs. All the TSPs were unanimous in their
demand for right amount of spectrum with right roadmap and right pricing along with

109
right infrastructure in order to give their best and affordable services to their
customers.
11. The Chairperson thanked TSPs for appearing before the Committee and
desired that the queries of Members which could not be replied may be sent in
writing.
The witnesses then withdrew

(The representatives of DoT and TRAI were then called in)

12. The Chairperson while welcoming the Secretary, DoT, Chairman, TRAI and
other officials of the DoT and TRAI to the sitting of the Committee drew their
attention to the concerns expressed by the industry representatives over the minimal
availability of spectrum and exorbitant pricing and level of support from the
Government being given to these service providers. He also drew the attention of
the representatives to the issues of gaps and delays in allocation of trial spectrums,
implementation of uniform right of way policy across states, lack of a proper
ecosystem for 5G rollout, not working with globally harmonised standards, etc. He
also expressed concern over great deal of policy frustration and very slow decision
making process on the part of the Government as informed by the TSPs.
13. Thereafter, the representatives of TRAI made a power point presentation on
India‘s preparedness on 5G which inter alia highlighted on key performance
indicators of 5G, 3 categories of Use Cases, requirements for 5G, 5G access
spectrum, 5G ecosystem, steps taken by TRAI, recommendations for auction of
spectrum of 5G, and sharing infrastructure for 5G, etc.
14. On the issue of providing E-band to the TSPs, the representative of DoT
informed that it has not been open for access even on the recommendations of TRAI
but being allowed to be used for wifi purpose only. According to the DoT
representative, E-band is primarily for the Backhaul and also for the access of
wireless wifi. They informed that Committee that limited Backhaul may not provide
adequate speed and ultimately quality of service will suffer. According to them, E &
V bands are very valuable bands and not auctioned in other countries also.
15. On the concern expressed by TSPs regarding high spectrum prices, the
representative of TRAI informed that they have done a scientific exercise in a
transparent manner and they have a consultation paper which is available on the
website. Based on this, cabinet has to take a call on the pricing. They, however,
expressed hope that the concern of the stakeholders will be taken into account.
16. Regarding the security concern over the use of 5G technology, the
representatives of TRAI informed that the standards in India are far far more
stringent and the radiation is set at lower in terms of what is permitted. This is much
lower than the WHO standards.

110
17. On the issues of global harmonization of 5G standards, the representative of
DoT informed the Committee that these standards are being followed as they
believe in harmonious standards because there has to be an ecosystem which is
operable.
18. Members also raised queries regarding recommendations of TRAI in the 3.3
GHz to 3.6 GHz which is going to be used for 5G, identification and allocation of
spectrum to departments of ISRO, Department of Defence, Navy, etc., Inter-
ministerial issues of band identification, connectivity of devices for 5G, 5G Use
Cases, development of test beds in coordination with IITs and IISc, network slicing,
involvement of Chinese companies and technology on 5G trials, etc. which were
replied to by the representative.
The Chairperson thanked the witnesses for appearing before the Committee.
The witnesses then withdrew

Verbatim proceedings of the sitting have been kept on record.

The Committee, then, adjourned.

111
 Appendix-III

STANDING COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(2020-21)
MINUTES OF THE FIFTH SITTING OF THE COMMITTEE

-----------

The Committee sat on Tuesday, the 10th November, 2020, from 1600 hours to
1730 hours in Main Committee Room, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.

PRESENT
Dr. Shashi Tharoor- Chairperson

MEMBERS

Lok Sabha
2. Shri Karti P. Chidambaram
3. Dr. Nishikant Dubey
4. Dr. Sukanta Majumdar
5. Shri Dhairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane
6. Ms. Mahua Moitra
7. Shri P. R. Natarajan
8. Shri Santosh Pandey
9. Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
10. Shri Sanjay Seth
11. Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma

Rajya Sabha
12. Dr. Anil Agrawal
13. Shri Md. Nadimul Haque

Secretariat

1. Shri Y. M. Kandpal - Joint Secretary

2. Dr. Sagarika Dash - Additional Director

112
 List of Witnesses

Department of Telecommunications
Sl. No. Names Designation
1. Shri Anshu Prakash Secretary, DoT
2. Shri K. Ramchand Member (Technology)
3. Ms. Anita Praveen Additional Secretary
4. Shri Hari Ranjan Rao Joint Secretary
5. Shri R. K. Pathak DDG(IC)
6. Shri Kishore Babu DDG(SRI)
7. Shri Surendra Rai DDG(NT)
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
Sl. Names(Mr./Ms.) Designation
No.
1. Dr. P. D. Vaghela Chairman
2. Shri S. K. Gupta Secretary
3. Shri Rajiv Sinha Principal Advisor (NSL)
4. Shri S. T. Abbas Advisor (NSL-II)
5. Shri Sunil Kr. Singhal Advisor (BB&PA)

2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the representatives of the Ministry of

Communications (Department of Telecommunications) and Telecom Regulatory
Authority of India (TRAI) to the sitting of the Committee. After the initial remarks by
the Chairperson, the representatives of the Department made a power-point
presentation highlighting the advantages of 5G in agriculture, transport, surveillance
and traffic management, education, health, smart homes, etc. The power-point
presentation also included the status of 5G in India, setting up of an indigenous 5G
test bed and its deployment strategy, broad areas of work of the Participating
Institutes, contribution of TSDSI in global standards, 5G use case for banking and
financial services, 5G Hackathon, etc.

3. Members raised queries on availability of spectrum, international parameter

for pricing of spectrum, allocation of E and V band, spectrum for testing facilities,
Low Mobility Large Cell (LMLC), Low standards of fiberization, identification of
millimeter wave etc. which were replied by the Department.

113
4. Members also enquired about the 5G test bed project being developed by IIT,
Madras, the timeline of the project, use cases of 5G fiberization status, right of way
rules, non reliability of grid power, security related concerns, delicensing of E and V
bands, Policy on affordable handsets etc. The Department submitted that for the
right of way guideline and rules, they have made detailed recommendation to the
Ministry of Urban Development and a time bound schedule needs to be prepared on
the right of way rules.
5. The Department assured the Committee that the fears of danger caused by
5G radiation are unfounded and they will furnish in writing, the concerns about
dangers posed by microwave radiation coming from 5G towers and steps taken by
the Department to dispel these concerns.

6. The Chairperson, then, thanked the representatives of the Department of

Telecommunications and TRAI for deposing before the Committee.

The witnesses then withdrew.

Verbatim Proceedings of the sitting have been kept on record.

The Committee, then, adjourned.

114
 Appendix-IV

STANDING COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(2020-21)
MINUTES OF THE FIFTEENTH SITTING OF THE COMMITTEE

-----------

The Committee sat on Wednesday, the 3rd February, 2021 from 1400 hours to
1525 hours in Committee Room ‗B‘, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.
PRESENT
Dr. Shashi Tharoor- Chairperson

MEMBERS

Lok Sabha
2. Shri Karti P. Chidambaram
3. Shri Sunny Deol
4. Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse
5. Shri Dhairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane
6. Shri P. R. Natarajan
7. Shri Santosh Pandey
8. Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
9. Dr. Gaddam Ranjith Reddy
10. Shri Sanjay Seth
11. Dr. T. Sumathy (A) Thamizhachi Thangapandian
12. Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma
13. Smt. Sumalatha Ambareesh

Rajya Sabha
14. Dr. Anil Agrawal
15. Shri Shaktisinh Gohil
16. Shri Syed Nasir Hussain
17. Shri Syed Zafar Islam
18. Shri Nabam Rebia

Secretariat

1. Shri Y. M. Kandpal - Joint Secretary

2. Shri H. Ram Prakash - Director
3. Dr. Sagarika Dash - Additional Director
4. Shri Shangreiso Zimik - Deputy Secretary

115
2 At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the Members to the sitting of the
Committee convened to consider and adopt Draft Report on the subject ‗India‘s
Preparedness for 5G‘ relating to the Ministry of Communications (Department of
Telecommunications). For the convenience of the Members, Hon'ble Chairperson
gave a broad overview of the Observations/Recommendations contained in the
Report.

3. The Committee, thereafter, took the draft Report in for consideration and adopted
the same with certain modifications.

4. The Committee, also, authorized the Chairperson to finalize the draft Report and
present the same to the House during the current session of Parliament.

The Committee, then, adjourned

*****

116