Satellite communications provider Viasat has said India runs the risk of losing $184.6 billion in terms of economic value by 2030 if it auctions spectrum in 28 Ghz band for 5G services., adding that India may not be able to benefit from the space economy if there is no millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum available for satcom services, according to The Economic Times newspaper.

“If India makes the mistake of offering 28Ghz in full or part to 5G mobile industry, which has not demonstrated any uptake in the mid-band so far, then it will lose $184 billion by 2030 and may end up with underutilised spectrum,” Cristian Gomez, senior director-government & regulatory affairs (Asia Pacific) at Viasat was quoted by ETas saying.

“MmWave is not being used and processed globally. It is hard to understand why India is focusing on it when the rest of the world is going in a different direction… we are concerned that India may not be able to benefit from the space economy if there is no spectrum for satcom,” he added.

Viasat said the telecom operators will have enough spectrum to accommodate the 5G mobile services in a separate spectrum in 26 GHz, which is harmonised by ITU WRC-19. Gomez said that telcos are seeking 400 Mhz per telco in mmWave and 26Ghz offers 3.2 Ghz to accommodate all telcos.

“Avoid costly and complex arrangements in the 28 GHz band. IMT systems are incompatible, particularly considering 28 GHz global use by ubiquitous land, sea and air ESIM,” he added.

The company is soon going to submit its recommendations to the telecom regulator. It is also approaching the telecom department. “We hope DoT is open to listen and remain(s) neutral on the matter,” Gomez told ET.