Trai recommends additional 5 MHz to Railways in 700 MHz band

New Delhi: The telecom regulator on Friday backed additional allotment of premium airwaves in the 700 MHz band to the railways for safety and security applications. The railways had sought an extra 5 MHz of paired spectrum in the 700 MHz band, free of cost, to enhance safety and security systems.

Following deliberations with stakeholders, the Trai has recommended assigning an extra 5 MHz to carve a contiguous block of 10 MHz of 700 MHz spectrum for the railways. Besides, it suggested an adjacent 5 MHz block for National Capital Territory Transport Corporation and other metro rail and rapid rail networks. "In addition to the already assigned 5 MHz (paired) frequency spectrum in the 700 MHz frequency band, an additional 5 MHz (paired) in the 700 MHz band should be assigned to Railways for its safety and security applications along the railway tracks for captive use," Trai said in its recommendations. -Our Bureau