The C-band debate continues

The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) has unambiguously stated that it is not possible to share the C-band spectrum in the 3700-4200 MHz range with 5G or satcom services.

K Rajaraman, chairman DCC and secretary, DoT had sent a query to IBDF for their response to the government’s proposal to move Indian broadcasting from the current frequency band of 3700-4200 MHz to 4000-4200 MHz.

Siddharth Jain, secretary general, IBDF has written to the chairman that it is not possible to divide the C-band spectrum in the 3700-4200 MHz range between terrestrial 5G carriers and satellite services. The letter explains that as many as 100 channels in the 3700-3800 MHz band, including the ones using GSAT satellites such as GSAT-30, will become defunct if the broadcasters are moved to the 4000-4200 MHz band. Also, 60 channels are still awaiting migration to safe bands above 3800 MHz as there is less capacity. BCS Bureau