India releases National Frequency Allocation Plan 2018
India has released its National Frequency Allocation Plan 2018 (NFAP), which presents a pioneering roadmap for the Indian digital communications industry. The NFAP releases a quantum of 605 MHz license exempt spectrum in 5GHz band for Wireless Access Services and Radio Local Area Networks in outdoor, to meet increasing data demand (from a current figure of 50 MHz since 2007).
The NFAP also offers over 30 license exempt bands for Short Range Devices (SRDs), Ultra-Wideband Devices (UWDs) and additional spectrum for M2M services, creating opportunities for the public to enjoy benefits from technologies and enabling the industry to build domestic manufacturing ecosystem. India signalled its spectrum plans for 5G services aspiring to adopt the next generation technology as a leading market.
Manoj Sinha, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Communications announced that the Indian telecom industry would rollout one million WiFi hotspots in the country by December 2019. Bharat Wi-Fi, a country-wide common inter-operable platform of one million Wi-Fi Hotspots, owned and operated by Telecom Service Providers, Internet Service Providers and Virtual Network Operators will be rolled out across the country. This initiative will allow consumers to access Wi-Fi Hotspots of any of the partnering operators.
In a major policy initiative, which will give impetus to small and medium entrepreneurship in Telecom Sector, DoT decided to deduct payments for resources taken by Virtual Network Operators (VNOs) from telecom service providers, thereby reducing levies payable by VNOs. This avoids double taxation at various stages.
A concrete plan is in making by the DoT to enable homegrown technologies for trials in the field on a large scale to enable the development and the scaling up of the products and services.
The announcements were made at the India Mobile Congress (IMC), one of the biggest Mobile, Internet, and Technology events for South and South-East Asia. It was attended by ministers from India, Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao PDR and Nepal.
There were several announcements by the industry and demos of 5G applications by global OEMs. Investments of approximately over INR 2000 crores and over 3 lakh jobs are expected to be created.
“Introducing the second edition of the India Mobile Congress is a proud moment for us. Last year, we witnessed an overwhelming response from everyone and we are confident that IMC 2018 will reach to the next level of success. The country is at the cusp of a digital revolution, with disruptions happening in each and every sector and industry. With growing smartphone and internet penetration and with the finalisation of National Digital Communication Policy 2018, these are exciting times for the telecom sector, and the society at large,” said Manoj Sinha.
This edition of India Mobile Congress will comprise of ASEAN and BIMSTEC Ministerial Conclave, Partner Programs in Digital India, Smart Cities, Emerging Technologies, Make in India projects, Skill Harmonisation, Business Innovation and Knowledge Sharing. There will be a technology exhibition, offering a peek into connected villages, virtual and augmented reality, connected cars, m-health, smart wearables, smart home, artificial intelligence, robotics, smart energy, internet of things, block chain, and machine learning among other things. IMC 2018 will also hold a special plenary session on upcoming network technologies such as 5G.
