Govt considers change in spectrum allocation method
Government is considering to allocate additional spectrum to mobile telecom players based on the number of calls originating from their network.
By PTI |
NEW DELHI: Government is considering to allocate additional spectrum to mobile telecom players based on the number of calls originating from their network instead of the subscriber base, intended to enhance their efficiency.
"There are various suggestions and one of them under consideration is to change the allocation of spectrum from subscriber linked to calls originating method," Minister of State for Communication Shakeel Ahmad said on the sidelines of a summit on Wimax.
Spectrum allocation criteria has been the bone of contention for GSM and CDMA operators and both the lobbies are trying to get hold of scarce airwaves to enhance their services.
GSM lobby includes players like Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Essar and Idea Cellular, while CDMA players are Reliance Communication and Tata Teleservices.
The Minister said that there have been numerous complaints on players showing "inflated number" of subscriber to get more spectrum and this practice needs to be checked.
It is pertinent to note that this issue was raised about two years ago by Ratan Tata accusing the methodology for allocating spectrum based on the number of subscribers.
Most GSM players had criticised the observation of Tata, who had also recommended an independent audit of the number of subscribers announced by each operator.
"There are various suggestions and one of them under consideration is to change the allocation of spectrum from subscriber linked to calls originating method," Minister of State for Communication Shakeel Ahmad said on the sidelines of a summit on Wimax.
Spectrum allocation criteria has been the bone of contention for GSM and CDMA operators and both the lobbies are trying to get hold of scarce airwaves to enhance their services.
GSM lobby includes players like Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Essar and Idea Cellular, while CDMA players are Reliance Communication and Tata Teleservices.
The Minister said that there have been numerous complaints on players showing "inflated number" of subscriber to get more spectrum and this practice needs to be checked.
It is pertinent to note that this issue was raised about two years ago by Ratan Tata accusing the methodology for allocating spectrum based on the number of subscribers.
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Most GSM players had criticised the observation of Tata, who had also recommended an independent audit of the number of subscribers announced by each operator.
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