Vodafone, Idea may have to sell excess spectrum

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For the Vodafone-Idea Cellular merger to sail through, the two companies will have to first shed excess spectrum in the 900 MHz and 2500 MHz bands across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh (West) circles so that the combined entity does not breach the spectrum holding cap fixed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), analysts say.

As per Trai guidelines on merger and acquisitions, no company can hold more than its prescribed share of spectrum in any circle.

To comply with those guidelines, the combined entity (Vodafone-Idea) may have to sell additional spectrum including some airwaves in