DoT chalks out spectrum allocation plan

Mobile firms need to have 65 lakh subscribers in these cities with 14.2 MHz of spectrum before they can be considered for allocation of the last quantum of 0.8 MHz till the limit of 15 MHz. The additional spectrum would, however, be available subject to its availability.

The new criterion is in line with the recommendations of the telecom regulatory authority of India (Trai). However, this is only an interim arrangement. The final policy will be formulated on recommendations of an expert panel.

The Wireless Planning and Coordination wing under the DoT had earlier notified the subscriber base criteria for GSM spectrum allotment for up to 7.2 MHz.

Tata Teleservices has criticised Trai’s stance on spectrum allocation as “discriminatory”, and one that favoured GSM operators. It said, going by the Trai’s suggestion, GSM firms would get twice as much frequency compared to CDMA players.

The Association of Unified Telecom Service Providers of India (AUSPI) have also written a letter to communications minister A Raja stating that any guideline issued by the DoT prescribing spectrum allocation beyond the licence mandated 4.4/6.2 Mhz is untenable. AUSPI said such a direction should be withdrawn as the matter was pending with the Delhi High Court.

On the other hand, rival GSM lobby Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) partly welcomed the DoT’s announcement. “The new criterion addresses some of our concerns as it has given the roadmap of up to 15 MHz and is an interim measure,” COAI director general T V Ramachandran said.

However, he criticised the DoT for not following Trai’s suggestions on allotting spectrum in multiples of 1.8 MHz and instead deciding on giving the airwaves in increment of 1 MHz.