What is spectrum?
- Spectrum refers to the invisible radio frequencies that wireless signals travel over. The frequencies we use for wireless are only a portion of what is called the electromagnetic spectrum.
- Devices such as cellphones, radios, wifi, etc. require signals to connect. These signals are carried on airwaves. These airwaves must be sent at designated frequencies to avoid any kind of interference. Such airwaves are called the spectrum.
- The various frequencies are subdivided into bands
Spectrum Auction
- The selling of airwaves as a band for a certain period is known as Spectrum Auctions. The central government through the DoT(Department of Telecom) auctions these airwaves from time to time.
- The first spectrum auction in India was conducted for a 900MHz band, in 1994.
- The government performs spectrum auctions after dividing the entire country into telecom circles. Presently India is divided into 22 telecom circles.
- All these spectrums are sold for a certain period, after which their validity lapses, which is generally set at 20 years.
- With the expansion in the number of cellphones, wireline telephones, and internet users, the need to provide more space for signals arises from time to time.
- Telecom companies are willing to set up the required infrastructure to use the waves once they auction the particular spectrum.