Cabinet approves 687 MHz spectrum refarming, more to follow: Telecom Minister

The Union Cabinet has taken a crucial step to enhance the country's mobile telecom services with the approval of the refarming of 687 MHz of spectrum. This move, announced by Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, is designed to address the growing demand for mobile services, especially as the country looks ahead to 2030 when mobile data usage is expected to surge. The government’s vision is to make mobile networks more efficient and capable of supporting future technological advancements.

Key steps in spectrum refarming and next moves

The refarming of 687 MHz is set to increase the total spectrum available for mobile services from 900 MHz to 1,587 MHz. This additional spectrum will be released in phases, with 320 MHz expected to be available immediately, and the rest being gradually rolled out through 2028 and 2029. According to Scindia, this decision puts India in a strong position to meet the mobile service spectrum demand in 2030, when it is estimated that the telecom sector will require around 2,000 MHz of spectrum.

While the current refarming addresses a significant portion of this requirement, there remains a gap of approximately 300 MHz. The government is already working towards closing this gap through ongoing efforts led by the Committee of Secretaries, which is expected to submit a report on the next phase of spectrum allocation by mid-2025. The government is committed to ensuring the availability of adequate spectrum to meet the needs of both consumers and businesses, paving the way for future-proof mobile networks in India.

Boosting India’s digital growth through telecom infrastructure

This decision marks a significant milestone for India’s digital transformation. With the telecom sector playing a crucial role in facilitating innovations such as 5G, IoT, and AI, the government’s actions aim to ensure that India remains at the forefront of technological advancements. The refarming initiative will address the growing needs of mobile users while also supporting a more robust, efficient, and high-speed telecom infrastructure, which is essential to meet future demands.

By ensuring a continuous supply of spectrum and addressing gaps, the government is facilitating the growth of India’s digital economy, enabling greater connectivity, and supporting mobile services that will benefit both urban and rural areas. These efforts underscore the importance of a forward-thinking approach to telecom infrastructure and will help India stay competitive in the global digital landscape.