Spectrum auction by Dec; will consult industry on financial health: Prasad

New Delhi, June 3 (IANS) Spectrum auctions will be held in this calendar year and the trials for 5G services with radiowaves allotted by the ministry will commence in the next 100 day, Communications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Friday.

"Spectrum auction will happen in this calendar, and the trial with 5G sepctrum will start in the next 100 days, the minister said after taking charge on Monday. 

On the related issue of allowing Chinese equipment vendor Huawei into the 5G trial, he said: "The issue is to be looked into seriously, there is a security aspect before we take a call on it. It is not a matter of technology alone". 

On industry's view of 5G spectrum prices as proposed by the TRAI being on the higher side imapcting the bidding possibilities, Prasad said: "The finance committee of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which will look at the TRAI recommendations, will come to a solution if there is need for more consultations with TRAI. "Then we have to go to the cabinet, appoint auctioneer. We will do the auction in this calender year". 

Prasad, for whom this would be second stint at the Telecom Ministry, said: "We have adequate spectrum availability". 

Taking note of the poor financial health of the sector due to low tariffs and hightened competition, the minister said he would go deep into the matter and would consult the industry too. 

On the two ailing PSUs of DoT whose revival is awaited, he said BSNL-MTNL revival will be on priority of his ministry and their existence is required to maintain a balance in the telecom eco-system.

"To maintain a sober equilibrium and a healthy balance, we need PSUs also in the field. It is in national interest to have the PSUs," Prasad said.

While standing by the PSUs for revival, the minister had a strong warning to BSNL-MTNL to perform better and be professional in their actions.

"They (BSNL-MTNL) also need to become professional. We would like to see how they adopt high standards of professionalism. My message is very clearly -- while we work towards the steps so that they are revived, they have to respond with professional attitude and also competitiveness". 

On BSNL MTNL-merger issue, he said "That involves a detailed examination. We want both to be strong". 

His other announcements included launching National Broadband Mission under which 'national fibre auhtority' will also be operational. 

"The Broadband Readiness Index, which will also be launched reflecting all the ICT parametres of India in a readymade manner . This is because many times global indices do not match the readiness of India indices so an India-specific index on broadband will be worked out", he noted. 

He also said the government would fast-track of five lakh wifi hotspots and promot telecom manufacturing.