Telecom Spectrum Auction To Be Held This Year, Says Ravi Shankar Prasad

Newly-appointed Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Monday said that India will hold spectrum auction for 5G and other bands in the current calendar year.

"We will hold spectrum auction this calendar year," the minster told reporters during a meet.

Taking charge of his new ministry, Prasad said that one of his priorities will be revival of state-owned Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. The minister, however, asserted that the telecom corporations will have to respond with professionalism and cooperation.

Other issues that will be prioritised by the minister include 5G trials in 100 days, fast tracking of five lakh WiFi hotspots, and promoting telecom manufacturing.