ToShri A K BhallaUnion Home SecretaryDear Shri Bhalla,The Dept of Telecommunications (DOT) had conducted 5G spectrum auctions recently, without fully appreciating the strategic implications of privatising the spectrum and without adequate preparatory steps to indigenise the 5G mobile technology so as to make sure that the country’s mobile services do not become captive to foreign agencies. In this connection, I have requested the C&AG to audit the whole process of 5G spectrum sale in view of my concerns. https://countercurrents.org/2022/08/5g-spectrum-is-it-a-distress-sale-cag-may-look-at-it-carefully/https://countercurrents.org/2022/08/5g-spectrum-is-it-a-distress-sale-cag-may-look-at-it-carefully-2/https://countercurrents.org/2022/08/5g-spectrum-why-the-relaxation-of-security-conditions-in-border-areas/https://countercurrents.org/2022/09/recent-5g-spectrum-auctions-post-tender-developments-erode-the-credibility-of-the-auctions/The Indian mobile market is dominated today by Chinese-made mobile devices, most of which already stand equipped with 5G capability. I understand that the Chinese-made mobiles have a market share of 70%. In other words, considering that not enough preparation has been made to indigenise the 5G mobile technology, there will be a further boost to the share of Chinese-made mobiles in India in the immediate future.

Source: Economic Times September 30, 2022 11:50 UTC