DoT may ask Trai to take a call on backhaul spectrum based on usage

New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) believes that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) should examine the issue of backhaul spectrum holistically, particularly due to technology advancements such as 5G and 6G, said officials.

While historically, backhaul airwaves were given administratively, or without auctioning, telecom operator Reliance Jio says such bandwidth can also be used for access, or mobility services, and hence should be auctioned, a point opposed by rivals Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea.