Telecom operators and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are caught in a battle of the 26 GHz band

The former argues that the airwaves are integral for keeping 5G affordable while the latter says the radio waves with important satellite communications.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRAI) has passed the buck to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to decide whether or not the 26 GHz band will be available during the upcoming 5G spectrum auction.

India plans roll out 5G services next year but telecom operators and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are battling it out over premium bandwidth. And, the outcome lies in the hands of the Department of Telecommunications ( DoT).

Both want the coveted 26 GHz band under their watch. Telecom operates want it, not because there aren’t other options, but because those particular airwaves are one of the few able to provide ultra-high 5G speeds.

On the other hand, ISRO claims that operation along that same band will interfere with satellite communication — putting emergency services and weather forecasting at risk.

The Telecom Regulatory of India (TRAI) passed the buck to the DoT to decide whether or not the 26GHz band will be put up for sale during the auction — scheduled to take place within this financial year.

“Spectrum in the 26 Ghz band is something that DoT can decide. It has to make up its mind if it wants to use 26 Ghz for 5G. Our job is to recommend base price only,” said TRAI Chairman Ram Sewak Sharma as per an ETT report.