The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) is awaiting the green light from telecommunication providers to commence 5G spectrum allocation, according to the State Minister of Technology.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath stated that the TRCSL had already permitted all telecom companies to carry out 5G trials, with trials having been carried out in several districts. 

He further stated that 5G spectrum allocation would commence after telecommunication companies indicated their readiness to introduce 5G to Sri Lanka.

“We still haven’t made a decision on when to introduce 5G. We are waiting for the industry to inform us when it is ready. Even the World Bank (WB) is supporting this endeavour and carrying out consultations. Once the telcos inform us that they are ready, we will start the process,” he said. 

He shared that there was currently no set timeline to introduce 5G and that it would be determined by the telecom companies.

On 22 December 2023, the TRCSL announced the commencement of a public consultation on ‘Spectrum Assignment for Advanced Broadband Services Including 5G’.

The TRCSL has already granted telcos usage rights for spectrums in the 3.5 GHz band, allowing them to carry out 5G trials by providing pre-commercial services ahead of the issue for commercial fixed, mobile, ISP, and satellite broadcast licences.

The 2022 Budget which proposed the sale of 5G frequencies by way of auction represented a break from the current practice of the TRCSL, which involves allocating spectrum concessions.

Accordingly, it was proposed that a fee be charged for 5G licences issued by the TRCSL via auction. This includes fixed phone lines, mobile connections, internet services, as well as satellite broadcasting operations. 

Although the 5G spectrum auction was originally expected to be held during Q1 of 2022 and then subsequently postponed to 2023, such plans have failed to materialise to date.