TRAI Releases Recommendations on Tera Hertz Spectrum

In response to the consultation paper issued on 27th September 2023, TRAI received feedback from 17 stakeholders and held an Open House Discussion on 8th March 2024.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released its much-anticipated recommendations on the Tera Hertz Spectrum. These recommendations were formulated after a comprehensive consultation process initiated by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which sought advice on the "Open and De-licensed use of Unused or Limited Used Spectrum Bands for Demand Generation for Limited Period in Tera Hertz Range."

In response to the consultation paper issued on 27th September 2023, TRAI received feedback from 17 stakeholders and held an Open House Discussion on 8th March 2024. Based on this extensive feedback and its own analysis, TRAI has finalized recommendations aimed at promoting research, development, and innovation in the Tera Hertz (THz) spectrum range.

Introduction of Tera Hertz Experimental Authorization (THEA):

The Government should introduce a new experimental authorization for the 95 GHz to 3 THz spectrum range, termed as 'Tera Hertz Experimental Authorization' (THEA).

THEA will support R&D, technology trials, indoor and outdoor testing, experimentation, and demonstrations within this spectrum range.

Any Indian entity, including academic institutes, R&D labs, government bodies, and telecommunication service providers, will be eligible to obtain THEA.

The authorization will be valid for up to five years and can be extended in increments of five years.

The authorization fee is set at a nominal Rs. 1,000 for the initial five-year period.

Authorisation and Assignment-Exempt Operations:

TRAI recommends permitting authorisation and assignment-exempt operations in the 116-123 GHz, 174.8-182 GHz, 185-190 GHz, and 244-246 GHz frequency bands.

These bands will facilitate next-generation wireless technologies, offering increased capacity and reliability for a variety of use cases, including both indoor and outdoor applications.

Vehicular Radar Systems:

TRAI proposes to open the 77-81 GHz frequency range for authorisation and assignment-exempt operations of automotive radar systems in India.

This move will significantly enhance vehicular safety by enabling long-range and short-range vehicular radars, which help in obstacle detection, collision warning, blind spot detection, and other critical safety functions.

Impact and Significance:

The introduction of THEA is expected to encourage innovation among entrepreneurs and academic institutions by providing a platform to experiment with and evaluate new technologies in the Tera Hertz spectrum. This will also contribute to the Government of India's 'Make in India' initiative by fostering indigenous development of cutting-edge technologies.

The authorisation and assignment-exempt use of specific frequency bands will support a wide array of new and emerging use cases, including next-generation wireless technologies, which could have applications across vertical industries. Additionally, the deployment of advanced automotive radar systems is anticipated to improve road safety, contributing to a safer driving environment in India.

The full recommendations can be accessed on TRAI's official website. For further details, Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, Advisor (Networks, Spectrum, and Licensing), TRAI, can be contacted.