India open to making 5G airwaves cheaper in auction this year

The Narendra Modi-led government is planning to assign 5G airwaves in August or September, the person said. — AFP

India may lower the base price for fifth-generation, or 5G, airwaves in the upcoming auction to spur participation by local telecom firms and expedite the rollout of these superfast networks, a person with knowledge of the matter said.

The Narendra Modi-led government is planning to assign these airwaves in August or September, the person said, asking not to be identified as the discussions are private. The reserve price for the auction may be reduced as the investment required for 5G networks is manifold that of 4G, the person said.