Spectrum Allocation in India: Strategy and Compliance

At Spektrum Metrics, we deliver clear and actionable spectrum insights to support wireless planning across global markets. We have recently added India to our portfolio of international capabilities, joining the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Germany. This expansion allows clients to leverage consistent spectrum allocation mapping across multiple regions, enabling better cross-border coordination, informed network deployment, and strategic planning.

In India, we illuminate the regulatory frameworks, track evolving policies, and align strategic deployment with both Indian telecommunications regulations and multinational coordination.

Understanding Spectrum Allocation in India

India’s telecom market is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic in the world. The Government of India strengthened its role in spectrum management through the Telecommunications Act of 2023. This legislation modernized Indian telecommunications regulations, replaced century-old laws, and introduced a digital-first approach to policy. These updates better support advanced telecom services and emerging wireless technologies.

The Government of India completed major 5G auctions in 2022 and 2024. These auctions released spectrum across key bands, from sub-1 GHz to mmWave. The allocations enable widespread deployment of standalone (SA) 5G networks and create new opportunities for telecom services across industries.

The major spectrum users in India are Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi). 

Jio holds the largest share of frequencies and has pushed rapid nationwide 5G coverage. Airtel has emphasized delivering high-quality mobile network performance with its spectrum portfolio. Vodafone Idea, while still active, faces financial challenges that limit its ability to expand services at the same pace. Together, these operators drive most of the country’s mobile connectivity and 5G adoption.

India has also taken steps to make spectrum available for the private sector and enterprise use. This includes dedicated bands for localized private 5G networks that can support smart manufacturing, logistics, and industrial IoT deployments. These allocations give enterprises more flexibility, but they also require careful compliance with Indian telecommunications regulations and DoT guidance.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) jointly manage spectrum release, licensing, and pricing. TRAI’s recent recommendations include short‑term satellite spectrum licensing to accommodate new operators like Starlink.

Spektrum Metrics maps spectrum allocations across markets including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, and now India. This comparison gives clients a clear view of the spectrum landscape and how different markets align or diverge. In addition, we help them identify differences, and plan effective network deployments. Each plan meets both technical and regulatory requirements.

Spektrum Metrics: Technical Clarity Meets Regulatory Expertise

We help clients navigate India’s complex spectrum environment with strategic guidance and regulatory foresight. Here’s how we support Indian initiatives:

• Band-by-band comparisons that highlight India’s allocations alongside those in the U.S., Germany, and Mexico.
• Regulatory tracking, including analysis of TRAI’s mmWave auction proposals and DoT’s captive network frameworks.
• Private 5G and CNPN strategy. We translate TRAI’s proposed framework into tailored deployment plans.
• Case studies show how spectrum enables innovation. For example, Assam’s 5G captive network at Numaligarh Refinery was India’s first industrial non-public network.
• Satellite coordination support, including guidance on short-term licensing models and evolving pricing regimes.

India in a Global Context

When we compare India with other countries, several patterns stand out. Both India and North America are opening the mmWave spectrum. However, India must adapt licensing rules to fit its unique regulatory landscape.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) are introducing a private CNPN model. This approach shows strong potential. Still, adoption is limited because of operator resistance and ecosystem challenges.

India’s spectrum management also shares similarities with Mexico. Both countries rely heavily on centralized regulatory authorities to oversee auctions and assign frequencies. They also face similar challenges in balancing rural coverage with advanced 5G rollouts. They are also similar in charging ongoing license fees rather than just collecting a license purchase fee at the time of auction.

Regulators and operators in both countries can learn from each other’s licensing models and local access rules. They can also share strategies for private and industrial network deployments.

Supporting Long-Term Spectrum Strategy in India

Planning wireless communication deployments in India demands insight into both domestic regulatory mechanics and international harmonization. Our services include:

• Custom regulatory briefings focusing on TRAI, DoT, and Telecom Act implications
• Technical reporting on band use, interference risk, and private network feasibility
• Strategic guidance aligned with Indian regulations and global spectrum trends

More on that.

Spektrum Metrics provides custom regulatory briefings that focus on TRAI, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and the implications of the Telecommunications Act. These briefings give clients actionable insights to navigate licensing requirements, compliance obligations, and evolving policy developments.

We also deliver detailed technical reporting on frequency band use, interference risks, and private network feasibility. This ensures that clients can make informed decisions when deploying private 5G, IoT networks, or satellite systems. By combining regulatory insight with technical analysis, we help organizations develop robust strategies that align with Indian telecommunications regulations and global spectrum trends.

Our services include comparative frequency band analysis. This analysis highlights how India’s allocations align with those in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Germany. We enable clients to plan cross-border deployments, anticipate alignment and differences, and optimize spectrum management strategies. 

Ongoing tracking of regulatory updates from the Government of India and DoT ensures projects remain compliant with national policies. Evaluation of license conditions, coexistence scenarios, and technical requirements supports seamless network implementation.

In addition, we guide private 5G and local network planning using licensed and shared spectrum bands. This includes allocations from the 2022 and 2024 auctions. We also assist with cross-border and regional frequency coordination. This encompasses satellite, mobile, and shared-use networks operating near India’s national boundaries.

We combine regulatory foresight, technical analysis, and strategic guidance. Taking this approach ensures clients can deploy networks that are compliant, efficient, and prepared for long-term growth.

Connect with Spektrum Metrics

Spektrum Metrics offers you the confidence to enter or expand services in India’s wireless services ecosystem.  We help you meet regulatory requirements and deploy networks efficiently.

Contact us to explore how we can  support your India spectrum strategy and planning.