20 February 2024
Indian telecom operators want the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to ease the radiation norms in India.
According to the telcos, the strict radiation norms are affecting their 5G rollout and the 5G experience for consumers in the country. In a letter to the TRAI, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), said that the current EMF exposure limits in India are significantly stricter (10 times) than the ICNIRP norms.
According to the industry body, the EMF exposure norms in India will deteriorate 5G resulting in slower speeds, lower network quality, and inferior signal strength. Airtel and Jio have invested heavily into rolling out 5G, however, there's no monetisation scope from the consumers currently. On top of that, the telcos fear that the current policies will stop them from delivering the best 5G experience they can.
Indian telecom operators are also prohibited from deploying 5G in C-band or mid-band near airports, 2.1km from both ends of the runway and 910m from the centre of the runway. COAI advised that using simulators, it should be determined whether the C-band poses any threat to aircraft communications or not. The telcos want the norms around rolling out 5G near airports to be relaxed as well.
