NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet has given the approval to reframe 687 MHz of spectrum for mobile services, with more reforms expected, based on recommendations from a Committee of Secretaries set up by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Speaking at the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) event, Scindia highlighted the growing demand for spectrum, stating that mobile services will require 2,000 MHz by 2030. He noted that the cabinet's decision has increased the total available spectrum to 1,587 MHz.

On January 16, the cabinet approved the refarming of 687 MHz, raising the spectrum availability from 900 MHz to 1,587 MHz. Of this, 320 MHz will be made available immediately, some by the end of next year, and the remainder by 2028-29, ensuring we are prepared for 2030, Scindia said at the Digicom Summit 2025.

The telecom minister assured that the government is committed to meeting the industry's needs and removing any obstacles in the country’s digital telecom infrastructure.

"There remains a gap of approximately 300 MHz. The task isn’t complete yet. The Committee of Secretaries is already working on this, and their report is expected by mid-2025. We will ensure there are no roadblocks to the growth of India’s digital telecom landscape," Scindia added.

Scindia explained that the Committee of Secretaries was set up by the Prime Minister to evaluate the spectrum held by various ministries and determine if it is being utilized effectively. If the spectrum is found to be underutilized, it will be reassigned to areas where it is most needed.

The minister confirmed that efforts to identify additional spectrum for reallocation are underway, with a report expected by mid-2025. "Our goal is to ensure no barriers hinder the telecom sector's expansion," he said.

During the summit, Scindia reflected on the remarkable progress in India’s telecom industry over the last decade. "India's telecom sector was once like a buffering video -- rich in potential but slow to deliver. That scenario has dramatically transformed in the past 10 years," he noted.

Scindia also emphasized that India is now leading the global telecom industry. The sector has become a critical driver of the country’s growth, contributing around 7% to the GDP. He expressed optimism about India’s telecom sector playing a pivotal role in global growth in the years ahead.