India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has opted not to include the 600MHz band in its upcoming 5G spectrum auction due to concerns about interference with satellite operations, the Economic Times reports.

The 600MHz band was previously included in August 2022’s multi-band spectrum auction but found no takers.

The DoT plans to conduct the next spectrum sale in March 2024 to coincide with the expiration of certain Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) licences in circles such as West Bengal, Assam, Bihar and Odisha.