The telecom industry body says simpler, more predictable charges for microwave links could support investment and extend mobile coverage in areas where fibre is scarce.
The Cellular Operators Association of India has pressed for swift adoption of the telecom regulator’s latest advice on microwave backhaul spectrum, arguing that a simpler charging regime would strengthen network economics and improve mobile coverage in areas where fibre is scarce or difficult to install. The industry body said the change would be particularly useful in rural, remote and fibre-deficient locations, where wireless backhaul remains essential to linking towers to the core network.
Microwave backhaul is the transport layer that carries traffic between mobile towers and the wider telecom network. According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, spectrum for these links should be assigned through an administrative process rather than auction, at a uniform and nominal price. The regulator’s framework covers traditional microwave bands as well as the E-band and V-band, reflecting the role of backhaul in both established and newer network deployments.
COAI director general SP Kochhar said a more predictable pricing structure would give operators greater certainty when planning long-term investment and would allow them to use fibre and microwave in combinations suited to local conditions. He argued that the present system places too much of the spectrum charge burden on backhaul, even though it does not generate direct revenue in the way access spectrum does. The association also said demand for backhaul capacity could rise sharply over the next five years as 5G networks deepen and traffic grows.
TRAI has proposed replacing the current kilometre-based approach with annual charges set per spectrum slot for point-to-point links, ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹75,000, while also suggesting a 0.1 per cent of adjusted gross revenue charge for some frequency bands on a per-slot basis. Official material from the regulator and the Press Information Bureau says the changes are intended to improve uptake, simplify administration and make better use of spectrum already allocated for radio backhaul. In its response, COAI has framed the proposal not merely as a cost cut, but as a wider network reform that could improve resilience, service quality and coverage.
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