DoT to allocate 10 MHz spectrum in 806-824 Mhz band to MHA for communication needs

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has decided to allocate 10 MHz spectrum in 806 to 824 Mhz band to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for its connectivity requirements.

As per officials aware of the details, the MHA requires spectrum for its connectivity needs including for walkie talkie operations and setting up of an exclusive captive mobile network.

These airwaves could not have been put to auction since the spectrum band to be reserved was not identified for international mobile telecommunications (IMT) usage, they added.

“We have decided to reserve 806-816 MHz for MHA for its connectivity requirements in the 806-824 MHz band, which is a non-IMT band,” an official aware of the details told ET. The DoT allocates spectrum to government bodies or other ministries based on the requirements.

Given the rise of digital technologies, it has become imperative for law enforcement agencies to secure its communications. The Directorate of Coordination Police Wireless (DCPW) is a nodal advisory body to the MHA for police telecommunications in the country.

Officials said the police force and other public safety agencies use a highly reliable and secured communication network for their day-to-day functions including maintaining law and order, responding to emergency and disaster situations etc.

“The entire police communication system as well as that of the paramilitary has to be full proof as it is concerned with national security,” said the official. For instance, a dedicated exclusive network has been set up to connect all the state capitals with the national capital. Such a network has to be built on an exclusive basis as getting spectrum on lease from telecom operators may jeopardise security, officials said.