October 1, 2025

New Delhi – Telecom fans, listen up! The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has given a fresh, masaledar update on the spectrum validity period for public mobile radio trunking service (PMRTS) operators. Earlier, Trai proposed a whopping 20-year validity period, but hold your breath—the latest recommendation is for just five years now, with a chance to extend another five years later! Why the sudden flip? It's all about fast-moving technology and a dynamic telecom landscape. What’s PMRTS, you ask? It’s the backbone for critical communication services. Think industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, transportation, utilities, and emergency medical services—areas where reliable communication can save lives and keep things running smoothly. But there's more drama in this spectrum saga! The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) suggested a blanket five-year validity for all spectrum assignments. Trai disagreed, stating, “The Authority recommends that the maximum period of validity of spectrum assignment on administrative basis should depend upon the type of service.” So no one-size-fits-all here! The regulator's U-turn is not because of DoT's views but due to how technology has changed since 2018, when the original recommendations were made. Trai points out that critical communication tech worldwide has leaped ahead in the last seven years, making a shorter spectrum validity more practical. Currently, India’s PMRTS operates on old-school narrowband land mobile radio (LMR) systems, mainly used for voice and some low-speed data. In summary, Trai wants spectrum assignments to start at five years, with the option to renew if the service stays strong and in demand. As they said, if the service keeps rocking a “robust demand and a strong eco-system for devices and network equipment,” then the government can happily extend the validity. This is a spicy shift in India’s telecom regulation that keeps pace with advancing tech and the critical needs of vital industries. So, PMRTS operators, gear up! The next five years will be crucial in proving your worth.

Read More at Economictimes →

Tags: Trai, Pmrts, Spectrum validity, Telecom regulation, Dot, Critical communications,