The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) yesterday issued its recommendations on the upcoming auction of radio frequency spectrum in bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), saying full sale is advisable on easy entry norms and other liberalised stipulations, which also act as guardrails.

TRAI, according to a statement put out by the regulator yesterday, has advised that the entire available spectrum in the 600 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz and 26 GHz bands be put to auction in the next round.

It has also recommended that spectrum held by telecom service providers in corporate insolvency proceedings should be taken back and included in the auction.

To broaden competition and participation in the auction, TRAI has proposed reducing the net-worth eligibility requirement for new entrants from Rs.100 crore per licensed service area to Rs. 50 crore, and from Rs. 50 crore to Rs. 25 crore for Jammu & Kashmir and North East service areas.

The Authority said that the 20-year validity period for spectrum licences be maintained and that Simultaneous Multiple Round Auction (SMRA) methodology continue to be used.

For existing frequency bands, TRAI has suggested continuation of the currently adopted band plans and specified block sizes and minimum bid quantities for each. The regulator has also recommended a spectrum cap policy to ensure competitive balance, with a 35 per cent cap on total spectrum in several key bands, including the 26 GHz range.

The recommendations also clarify that existing rollout obligations remain unchanged for most bands.

TRAI’s proposals include specific guidance for the 600 MHz band, suggesting block sizes and an extended validity period of 24 years (20 plus four). It has also recommended a moratorium-based payment option for spectrum charges to incentivise participation.

The regulator has advised that the 6 GHz band not be auctioned at this time, recommending further examination after the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027.

Beyond auction mechanics, TRAI has put forward recommendations intended to strengthen competition and network coverage. This includes reconsideration of differential licensing for network layers, allocation of spectrum for Internet Service Providers and Machine-to-Machine providers, and a scheme for incentivising access service providers to expand coverage in underserved areas through reductions in spectrum cost tied to new base station deployment.

The TRAI recommendations represent a comprehensive set of technical, financial and policy-oriented proposals that the Department of Telecoms may consider as it prepares for the next major spectrum auction aimed at supporting telecom growth and enhanced connectivity across India.