TDSAT upholds Qualcomm's plea opposing reduction in licence period of BWA spectrum

New Delhi: Telecom tribunal TDSAT today allowed US-based Qualcomm's plea that opposed reduction in the validity of licence period for the wireless broadband spectrum allotted to the company and changes in the service roll-out obligations.

A TDSAT bench, headed by its Chairman Justice S B Sinha, set aside the Department of Telecom's (DoT's) direction reducing the licence period and time for completing roll-out obligation.

DoT had reduced the validity of Qualcomm's Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) spectrum to 18 years and six months, from 20 years.

Besides, Qualcomm's roll-out obligation period was also reduced from five years to three-and-a-half years, which was challenged by the company before the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).

Qualcomm had won the BWA spectrum in four circles -- Delhi, Mumbai, Kerala and Haryana -- for Rs 4,900 crore through bidding in 2010.

As per the Notice Inviting Application, companies had the right to use BWA spectrum for a period of 20 years from the date of awarding of spectrum block.

Qualcomm got the spectrum after a legal battle with the DoT.