Technology Desk: The dispute between telecom companies and TRAI regarding 5G service in India seems to be increasing. Reliance Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) have raised questions on TRAI's proposed rules regarding 5G network slicing. Companies say that these rules may make it difficult to fully utilize the capacity of the 5G network and may also burden the companies with additional expenses.
What is the whole matter?
TRAI had issued draft rules regarding 5G network slicing in August. If understood in simple language, network slicing is the technique of dividing the 5G network into different parts and providing different capacity for a particular service or customer.
For example, if a company needs a high-speed and more reliable network, the telecom company can provide a separate part of the 5G network for it.
TRAI's concern is that if a large part of the network starts being used for such special services, then the internet speed and service quality of common mobile users may be affected.
What did TRAI propose?
TRAI has suggested that in areas where network slicing is going on, the utilization of radio resources should not exceed 80%.
Its purpose is to ensure that there is enough capacity left in the network for normal mobile users and they do not have to face poor internet speed.
Jio, Airtel and Vi object to 80% limit
What did Airtel say?
Airtel says that more than 80% network utilization does not necessarily mean that customers are getting poor service. According to the company, imposing such a limit may affect the better use of spectrum.
The company also says that if such a limit is implemented, it may have to spend additional money on increasing network capacity.
What is Jio's objection?
Jio says that it is not practical to stop network slicing based on the fixed limit of 80%.
According to the company, modern 5G networks are designed to work better even at higher utilization. Jio argues that such restrictions on spectrum use will make it difficult for companies to take full advantage of the available resources.
What did Vi say?
Vodafone Idea says that network slicing is used only when network resources have to be divided according to a specific need.
According to the company, if there is sufficient capacity in the network then all users can get good speed. Therefore, it is not technically correct to impose a fixed utilization limit for every cell or network part.
On the other hand, voice in support of TRAI also
Amid opposition from telecom companies, some public policy groups are in support of TRAI's proposal.
Public policy think tanks like The Dialogue say that such a limit can act as a protective shield for ordinary mobile users. This will help ensure that internet service for normal customers is not affected due to excessive network usage for specific 5G services.
What will happen next now?
At present this entire matter is at the level of draft proposal and objections of the companies. TRAI has received responses from telecom companies. Now after considering these suggestions and objections, a decision will be taken regarding further rules.
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