The National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) was announced at the recently concluded India Mobile Congress 2018 at Aerocity, New Delhi and is expected to provide a necessary roadmap for the evolution of the Indian Digital Communications industry.
The NFAP as a document lists the use of all spectrum bands in the country by various users/services. Basis the identification of bands for various services in the country, the Government allocates spectrum to concerned stakeholders. Every country has a form of NFAP, which is meant to harmonise the use of spectrum across the globe. The NFAP launched at IMC 2018, the biggest mobile, internet and technology events in South Asia, identified certain dedicated spectrum for IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications). A remarkable number of top government officials, industry leaders, global experts, brand representatives and consumers attended the event.
Identifying dedicated spectrum for IMT is important as it would allow the use of this spectrum for futuristic network and communication technologies such as 5G. Since the spectrum has already been identified, it is now possible to auction it and roll-out 5G as soon as possible. Further, identifying spectrum for technologies such as M2M helps in creating opportunities for the industry to build domestically and push the Government’s ‘Make in India’ vision. Thus, the deployment of the latest NFAP compliments the Government’s ambitious Digital India dream and early deployment of 5G services in the country.
Speaking on the development, Rajan S Mathews, Director General, COAI, stated, “It is important for countries to harmonize the use of spectrum across the countries to ensure economies of scale in terms of equipment manufacturing and seamless roaming. It can thus truly deliver on the National broadband objective for ‘broadband for all’ at affordable tariff rates.”
The recently launched National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018, also recognised spectrum as a natural resource and to ensure its adequate availability, efficient usage and putting together a fair and transparent allocation method for service providers.
