The NFAP is likely to provide the much needed roadmap for the development of digital communications industry in the country
Telecom industry body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) said that spectrum identification under the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) will going to benefit the telecom industry in delivering ‘mobile broadband for all’.
The NFAP lists usage of all the spectrum bands in India by several users and services. The plan is likely to provide the much needed roadmap for the development of digital communications industry in the country.
Crucial to harmonise spectrum use
Rajan S Mathews, Director General, COAI, said that it is crucial for countries to harmonise the spectrum use across the nations to make sure economies of scale with regards to manufacturing of equipment and seamless roaming services.
“Therefore, it can truly deliver on the national broadband objective for ‘broadband for all’ at affordable tariff rates,” Mathews added.
There is a form of NFAP in every country that is intended to harmonise the spectrum usage across the world.
Enhancing technology landscape
The NFAP noted some specific dedicated spectrum for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) which is crucial as it would enable the use of spectrum for newer technologies such as 5G.
With spectrum identification, it is possible to auction and launch the 5G services as soon as possible. In addition, it also helps for technologies like machine to machine (M2M).
The National Frequency Allocation Plan was announced by the Government at the recently held India Mobile Congress 2018 in New Delhi.
The NFAP is aimed at enhancing the landscape of innovation in wireless technologies by providing more than 30 license exempt bands for short range devices and ultra-wide band devices generating huge opportunities for public to enjoy benefits of technologies and enabling the industry to create a robust domestic manufacturing system.