Spectrum Trading in India and 5G

Currently radio spectrum is largely managed through Command and Control method. Public mobile services require spectrum below 3 GHz for providing cost effective services. The existing method has created artificial shortage of spectrum especially below 3 GHz. Spectrum trading is a new concept in which service providers are premitted to purchase spectrum from the market to fulfil their requirements. Spectrum trading has not yet been permitted in India. This paper provides an overview of possibilities of spectrum trading in India and concludes that necessary ingredients are present in India for spectrum trading and it could provide a boost to the Indian telecom sector. Further, it will also discuss spectrum issue related with 5G in the direction of millimeter waves.