DoT forms panel to study TRAI suggestions on spectrum
DoT has formed an internal panel to study TRAI's recommendations on reforms in the licensing regime which include views on capping the number of players, spectrum allocation and acquisitions.
By PTI |
NEW DELHI: The Department of Telecom has formed an internal panel to study TRAI's recommendations on reforms in the licensing regime which include views on capping the number of players, spectrum allocation and acquisitions.
Asked when would the Department of Telecom (DoT) take a decision on TRAI's recommendations, Communications Minister A Raja said, "very soon", but declined to elaborate.
On GSM operators serving a legal notice to DoT over delay in allocating spectrum as per existing criteria, he said: "It is their right to send us notice. We will have a look at it."
Sources, however, said TRAI's recommendations on spectrum allocation, especially for existing operators, may find favour with the government.
If DoT accepts TRAI's recommendations new applicants may have a chance to get the frequency to start services. This will not only introduce more competition in mobile telephony but would also bring new products and technology available in the developed world, they said.
However, the lobby of existing GSM players, COAI, has slammed TRAI's recommendations, saying the regulator was not transparent on spectrum related issues as no consultations were followed as prescribed in the TRAI Act.
A Group of Ministers headed by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, is already looking into the ways and means of releasing spectrum from defence forces. The GoM, which met recently, had agreed to form a sub-committee to look into the technical aspects for release of spectrum.
Asked when the GoM on spectrum would meet again, Raja said: "When the sub-committee submits its report, we will decide on it."
Asked when would the Department of Telecom (DoT) take a decision on TRAI's recommendations, Communications Minister A Raja said, "very soon", but declined to elaborate.
On GSM operators serving a legal notice to DoT over delay in allocating spectrum as per existing criteria, he said: "It is their right to send us notice. We will have a look at it."
Sources, however, said TRAI's recommendations on spectrum allocation, especially for existing operators, may find favour with the government.
If DoT accepts TRAI's recommendations new applicants may have a chance to get the frequency to start services. This will not only introduce more competition in mobile telephony but would also bring new products and technology available in the developed world, they said.
However, the lobby of existing GSM players, COAI, has slammed TRAI's recommendations, saying the regulator was not transparent on spectrum related issues as no consultations were followed as prescribed in the TRAI Act.
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A Group of Ministers headed by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, is already looking into the ways and means of releasing spectrum from defence forces. The GoM, which met recently, had agreed to form a sub-committee to look into the technical aspects for release of spectrum.
Asked when the GoM on spectrum would meet again, Raja said: "When the sub-committee submits its report, we will decide on it."
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