For Nationwide rollout of 5G technology, Government has assigned spectrum for 5G services to Telecom Service Providers, through auction, in August 2022. Thereafter, the 5G services were launched on 01^st October 2022. As on 31^st Oct 2024, 5G services have been rolled out in all States/ UTs across the country and presently 5G services are available in 779 districts out of 783 districts in the country. Further, more than 4.6 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) have been installed in the country.

Government has taken several initiatives for proliferation of 5G services, which, inter alia, include the following:

1. Assignment of sufficient spectrum for mobile services through auction.
2. Series of financial reforms resulting in rationalization of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) and Bank Guarantees (BGs).
3. Spectrum sharing, trading and surrender has been permitted for efficient use of spectrum.
4. Simplification of Procedure for SACFA (Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocations) clearance.
5. Notification of Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules and launch of PM GatiShakti Sanchar portal has resulted in streamlining of RoW permissions and expeditious clearance for installation of telecom infrastructure.
6. Provision has been made in RoW Rules for time-bound permission for usage of street furniture for installation of small cells and telecommunication line.

With the aforementioned measures taken by the Government, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have expanded the 5G services across the country and have gone beyond the minimum rollout obligations, as prescribed in the Notice Inviting Application (NIA) for spectrum auction. Expansion of mobile services beyond these obligations depends on the techno-commercial consideration of the TSPs.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr.Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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