GoM on spectrum to be notified soon

The group of ministers (GoM) to decide on spectrum availability, allocation and pricing is set to be notified soon and details, including the composition of allocation, will be spelt out after that.

Sources said the terms of reference of the GoM on spectrum had already been discussed with the Prime Minister's Office and the Planning Commission and the group would comprise the usual member ministries like defence, finance, law and, of course, telecom.

For any further progress on this front, first the notification had to come, they said, adding that the Cabinet secretariat was likely to notify the group of ministers.

Therefore, no final decision has been taken on the terms of reference, pending the notification. While the discussions on the terms of reference were on the entire issues, the focus remained on vacation of spectrum from the defence ministry, sources said.

Allocation, use of spectrum for niche services like 3G mobile services and pricing are already under the terms of reference.

Earlier, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had approved the constitution of a GoM to resolve disputes between the GSM and CDMA operators over the allocation of spectrum, a scarce resource. The GoM will also find ways to vacate spectrum that is being used by the armed forces.

Meanwhile, another group "project definition group", comprising defence and telecom ministry officials, will submit its report to Telecom Secretary JS Sarma on Friday. The defence secretary is also scheduled to be present at the meeting.

This group is also looking into the aspects of spectrum vacation possibilities by defence for telecom use and also will present the cost associated with the vacation, which has to be reimbursed by the department of telecom in lieu of those spectrum bands.