DoT clears path for backhaul of towers before 5G network rollout

Allots two carriers of 250 MHz each in E band to telcos at administrative price

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Tuesday announced it would allot a maximum of two carriers of 250 MHz each in the E band (71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz) to telecom firms for backhaul of towers, or connection between cell towers -- a move that would remove a major impediment and speed up the roll out of 5G networks in the country.
 

The assignment of the much-needed E band spectrum was stuck despite applications from telcos because the government was yet to decide whether it would be auctioned just like access spectrum or given bundled with access spectrum or offered