Telecom spectrum auction to be held this year: 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. Taking charge of his new ministry, Prasad said that amongst his priorities will be a revival of state-owned MTNL and BSNL. The minister, however, asserted that the telecom corporations will have to respond with professionalism and cooperation.

"We will hold spectrum auction this calendar year," the minister told reporters. 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.