Cabinet Approves Refarming of 687 MHz Spectrum, More Expected: Scindia

The Union Cabinet has approved the refarming of 687 MHz of spectrum for mobile services, a move aimed at boosting India's telecom infrastructure. This decision increases the total quantum of radio waves allocated for mobile services to 1,587 MHz, telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced on Friday.

Speaking at the COIA's Digicom Summit 2025, Scindia explained that the refarming process would help meet the growing demand for spectrum in the telecom sector. By 2030, mobile services are projected to require 2,000 MHz of spectrum, and this Cabinet approval is a step towards achieving that goal.

“Yesterday's Cabinet decision approved the refarming of 687 MHz, taking us from 900 MHz to 1,587 MHz. Of this, 320 MHz will be released immediately, with additional releases planned for the end of next year and by 2028-29, ensuring readiness for 2030,” Scindia said.

He further emphasized that the government is committed to meeting the industry's spectrum requirements and ensuring there are no hurdles in India's evolving digital telecom landscape. However, Scindia noted that there is still a gap of approximately 300 MHz.

The telecom minister stated that the Committee of Secretaries, established by Prime Minister Narendra Modi , is working on a second round of spectrum allocation. The committee is expected to submit its report by mid-2025, and further steps will be taken to address any remaining bottlenecks, facilitating the continued growth of the digital telecom sector in India.

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