BPL breaks ranks with COAI over spectrum row
BPL Mobile has disassociated itself from the COAI, the body that represents GSM players, and also from Vodafone Essar, in the ongoing controversy over spectrum allocation.
By TNN |
NEW DELHI: The Ruia-owned BPL Mobile, which offers GSM services in Mumbai, has disassociated itself from the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the body that represents GSM players, and also from Vodafone Essar, in the ongoing controversy over spectrum allocation.
The Ruias-own 33% stake in Vodafone Essar and 100% stake in BPL Mobile. BPL, which has applied for telecom licences in the remaining 21 circles has now said that it ‘does not agree’ with COAI that existing operators, who have submitted their applications before December 06, be given priority for spectrum allocation.
“All existing operators should be treated at par,” the company said. The logic: “All existing regional operators who have applied for extension of the footprint should be given licenses on priority. It will not be possible for regional operators to compete effectively with all-India integrated players,” the company added.
Importantly, the BPL demand comes because under the current first-come-first-serve policy, three existing operators — Idea, Aircel, Vodafone — are placed ahead of these 16 companies in the queue for spectrum. They have already been allotted licences, but are awaiting spectrum to launch services.
The Ruias-own 33% stake in Vodafone Essar and 100% stake in BPL Mobile. BPL, which has applied for telecom licences in the remaining 21 circles has now said that it ‘does not agree’ with COAI that existing operators, who have submitted their applications before December 06, be given priority for spectrum allocation.
“All existing operators should be treated at par,” the company said. The logic: “All existing regional operators who have applied for extension of the footprint should be given licenses on priority. It will not be possible for regional operators to compete effectively with all-India integrated players,” the company added.
Importantly, the BPL demand comes because under the current first-come-first-serve policy, three existing operators — Idea, Aircel, Vodafone — are placed ahead of these 16 companies in the queue for spectrum. They have already been allotted licences, but are awaiting spectrum to launch services.
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