)
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has asked state-run telecom major BSNL to follow a transparent process before getting into an agreement with an operator for spectrum sharing and trading.
For enhancing coverage, BSNL is considering entering into ICR, spectrum trading and sharing arrangements with other licenced service providers.
A commercial offer for ICR is being made to a particular operator and an agreement may be imminent, COAI Director General Rajan Mathews said in a letter to the department of telecommunications and BSNL.
"Private players be given 'equal opportunity' to participate and enter into such arrangements with BSNL. The government should allow a level-playing field by giving a fair opportunity to private operators," he said.
"The exercise should be conducted in a fair, open and transparent manner so that BSNL benefits from a competitive commercial offering allowing public resources equally to all service providers," Mathews said.
He, however, did not name the telecom player which is in discussions with BSNL.
BSNL Chairman and Managing Director Anupam Srivastava could not be reached for comment.
The government is yet to announce a policy for spectrum sharing and trading rules though there is an in-principle approval for the same from DoT's highest policy-making body Telecom Commission. The matter will go to the Cabinet for final approval.
