Airtel asks DoT to roll out guidelines for new 5G devices to support all spectrum bands

Airtel also noted that the new 5G devices should support dynamic spectrum sharing while the dual SIM handsets should have 2G, 4G and 5G support on both slots.

Airtel has written to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to formulate guidelines directing that new 5G devices launched or sold in India must support all existing bands for 5G in the country, according to an online report. Airtel in its letter has noted that 50 per cent of smartphone users in India change or upgrade their handsets after two years of usage, and further delay in creating a supportive device ecosystem would hamper India’s 5G leadership ambitions. As of now, the 5G devices being launched by manufacturers work only in the 350 Giga Hz spectrum while 5G services can be provided using multiple existing bands and new radio interface. “However, the provision of 5G services in such existing multiple spectrum bands can only happen with the availability of handsets if the minimum features to support 5G services are ensured,” the Sunil Mittal-led telco was quoted as saying by the publication. Airtel is currently working with Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo, Realme and Apple to test its 5G trial network.