The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) will come up with its recommendations on the pricing of excess 2G spectrum held by operators within the next 2-3 weeks.
In May, Trai had proposed that the operators pay for the excess 2G spectrum beyond 6.2MHz at a price linked to the 3G spectrum price, revealed through the auction.
“When we gave our recommendations to the government in May, we had said that we are studying the issue (linking 2G price with 3G price). We have not asked for any extension. We expect to give recommendations in 2-3 weeks,” said Trai Chairman J S Sarma.
Most GSM operators had strongly opposed a move to link 2G spectrum price with that of 3G and have also refused to give a one-time charge for the extra spectrum beyond 6.2 Mhz. The operators have said all spectrum allocations have been made as per the policy and there is no extra spectrum with the operators.
When asked about solicitor general Gopal Subramanium’s reported observation on the subject, that the telecom ministry can change the term and conditions of existing licences and the Trai’s recommendations are not binding on the government, Sarma said, “I have seen it in the media today I don’t know what the opinion is about, so I don't want to comment on that. The question is about the Act and certain provisions in the Act and one goes by those provisions."
On amendments in the Trai Act, Sarma said, “The issue of amendment in the Act is under consideration by the government. They have recently referred to us for our comments. We are considering the matter. We will tell the government what amendments we require. The regulator will continue to be guided by the provisions of Trai Act 1997.”
