20 applications received for 5G field trials by DoT: Dhotre

The Minister of State for Communications Sanjay Dhotre today briefed the Rajya Sabha that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had received around 20 applications for field trial in the country for 5G till date. The response came after an MP raised a question on 5G trial roadmap discussion with telecom operators.

Dhotre laid down the details of the applications received for field trial by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited, and Reliance Jio have filed applications for 5G trial in India.

“The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is in consultation with Ministries/Departments for development of India specific Use cases. DoT is considering to allow Telecom Service Providers to demonstrate 5G India specific Use cases in limited geographical area, for a limited period, in an isolated network environment and for non- commercial purposes. Steps have been initiated for trial of India specific Use cases,” said Sanjay Dhotre in Rajya Sabha.

Bharti Airtel has filed 7 applications, Reliance Jio has filed 5 applications, Vodafone Idea has filed 6 applications, while Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited have filed 1 application each. The first application was filed in January 2020 by Bharti Airtel whereas the latest application was also filed by Bharti Airtel in March 2021.

Sweden’s Ericsson, Finland’s Nokia, and USA’s Mavenir are among the manufacturers of 5G equipment based out of US and Europe who have tied up with Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea for 5G trials.

“The 5G services are expected to be introduced gradually and advance to a full range of services as ecosystem and demand for services grows,” added Sanjay Dhotre.