There is a dearth of spectrum to be allotted for mobile services in most part of the country, a situation which could seriously hamper the expansion plans for many telcos, according to data compiled by the Department of Telecom (DoT).
As per the data, 13 circles, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Punjab, do not have any 2G spectrum as on December 2009 on the designated 1,800 MHz band.
This is a grim scenario as many new operators are about to start their mobile service and many are about to expand. Although there is currently a freeze on allocation pending the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India proposals, the situation is unlikely to improve even after the regulator gives its suggestions.
Delhi, however, has 3.6 Mhz while Mumbai (2.2 MHz), Kolkata (18 MHz) and Chennai (20 MHz) spectrum on the same band.
J&K, North East, Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh (east and west), Haryana have no spectrum which can be allotted to operators.
As per the list, Orissa has 18 MHz, Madhya Pradesh 40 MHz, Andhra Pradesh 15 MHz, Karnataka 9.8 MHz, Tamil Nadu 20 MHz and Kerala 28 MHz.
The Trai is currently in the process of bringing out policy recommendations for the fundamental issues concerning the allocation, pricing, methodology, transfer and sale of 2G spectrum.
