5G trials to start in Jan-Mar quarter this fiscal: DoT

The 5G (the fifth generation of wireless technology) trials are expected to begin in the last quarter of current fiscal (2019-2020). The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has received 12 applications for 5G trials and it has neither approved nor rejected any applicant’s proposal so far. However, it is still unknown that whether the government has taken a decision on Huawei’s participation.

Key Highlights

Any proposal on 5G is required to address twin considerations, with first being the adoption of new technology, and second the imperatives of national security. The 5G technology has phenomenal potential of speed and futuristic applications but it is yet to evolve and major global players are themselves in process of evaluating ecosystem and use cases for 5G.

NOTE: 5G should not be linked to general spectrum auctions – which is expected to take place in March-April 2020. Also, a Financial/ Fiscal Year in India is from 1st April to succeeding 31st March.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2019