The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has unveiled a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at assigning additional spectrum to the Indian Railways, crucial for enhancing its safety and security applications. Central to these recommendations is the proposal for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to allocate a 5 MHz (paired) frequency spectrum within the 700 MHz band specifically for the Indian Railways.

Streamlining Frequency Allocation

In a bid to optimize spectrum management, TRAI has also advised the swift roll-back of frequencies currently held by the Indian Railways in other bands, including 146-174 MHz, the 400 MHz band, and the 900 MHz band. This move is intended to ensure that spectrum resources are effectively utilized, aligning with the needs and challenges of modern rail operations.

Exploring Frequency Overlap through RAN Sharing

TRAI recommends conducting a field trial of Radio Access Network (RAN) sharing using the Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) framework. This trial should involve collaborations between the Ministry of Railways, Indian Railways, NCRTC, and other Regional Rapid Transit Systems (RRTS), all under the guidance of the Department of Telecommunications. The outcomes of these trials will be pivotal in determining the feasibility of RAN sharing in overlapping regions among Indian Railways, NCRTC, and metro networks.

Temporary Utilization of the 700 MHz Band

Until the aforementioned trials are conducted to assess the viability of RAN sharing, TRAI suggests that the Indian Railways should be permitted to temporarily utilize the 5 MHz frequency spectrum in the 700 MHz band, which has been allocated to NCRTC and other RRTS/Metro rail networks. This usage would be based on a payment model, ensuring that it occurs only in areas where the spectrum is not currently in use by NCRTC or other RRTS/Metro networks.

Vision for a Unified Network

TRAI envisions the potential establishment of a common network infrastructure created by one or more telecom service providers, serving the interconnected rail networks, including Indian Railways, NCRTC, and various metro and RRTS systems. This initiative aims to foster seamless communication and operational efficiency across multiple transport modes.

Read reports by TRAI at: 99.21% of India covered by mobile networks, 99% by 3G, reports TRAI

Spectrum Harmonization for Enhanced Efficiency

The regulatory body has also put forth recommendations focused on harmonizing a contiguous block of 10 MHz of frequency in the 700 MHz band for Indian Railways, alongside an adjacent 5 MHz block designated for NCRTC and other metro systems. This approach aims to minimize disruptions to existing rail networks while ensuring enhanced spectrum availability.

Pricing Structure for Spectrum Utilization

Finally, TRAI advocates for implementing a pricing structure based on the established formula for Royalty Charges and License Fees for captive use, as prescribed by the DoT for Indian Railways, NCRTC, and other relevant transport networks. This ensures a fair and transparent approach to spectrum utilization, promoting accountability and sustainability in the management of these vital resources.

By adopting these recommendations, TRAI aims to bolster the operational capabilities of Indian Railways, enhancing safety, security, and overall service delivery.

Interested to read more about the telecom industry, visit our Telecom category page.