Recommendation to install small 5G equipment on electric poles and traffic signals, the suggestion to eliminate the need for approval

Telecom regulator Trai has recommended the installation of small equipment for 5G services on electric poles, bus stops, and traffic signals, as well as suggested doing away with the need for approval for the installation of small telecom equipment. In a recommendation issued on Tuesday, TRAI said that the Department of Telecom should be exempted from the obligation to seek approval for setting up 'Low Power Base Transceiver Stations' (LPBTS) with radiation power of fewer than 600 watts.

5G spectrum band coverage is low

The spectrum bands of 5G cover much less area than 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. Because of this, there will be a need to deploy low-capacity telecom equipment to increase the reach of 5G services and overcome signal gaps. Keeping this aspect in mind, TRAI has suggested to the department to amend the Indian Telegraph Act to include 'street furniture' like electric poles, bus stops, and traffic signals. For this, TRAI has also asked to issue necessary notifications. Due to the low level of radiation, small telecommunications equipment will not require much protection and will not be much of a problem to install. These devices can also be easily installed on roadside electric poles, bus stops, and traffic signals.

Recommend issue of a separate license

Issuance of a separate license for SESG operators TRAI has recommended the issuance of a separate license for companies operating satellite earth stations connecting space communications to ground networks. In its recommendations sent to the department, the telecom regulator on Tuesday said that a provision for a separate license for Satellite Earth Station Gateway (SESG) should be made. He said that this should be provided for in section 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act and should not be part of the 'Universal' license.

The license will be valid for 20 years

As per TRAI's recommendation, such a license, valid for 20 years, would be limited to telecom infrastructure and distribution of services. Holders of SESG licenses will not provide any kind of service directly to the general consumers and will have to pay a fee of Rs 10 lakh. Currently, the Department of Telecommunications issues licenses for telecom services while the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is mandated to grant licenses for broadcasting services.

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