With reference to Malini Bhupta's report, "COAI-Trai tussle to impact spectrum auctions" (August 11), the fight between the two could jeopardise the fate of future spectrum auctions and the government's revenue projections. Profit-seeking telecom operators may find it difficult to bid for spectrum because of their self-perceived inability to make revenue projections. The locking of horns does not augur well for either of them.
However, be it the proposed review of the Interconnection Usage Charge or the call-drop penalties, both were within the purview of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. Why do telcos see red whenever Trai attempts to take some action to keep tabs on their ill-conceived and self-serving network policies?
The Cellular Operators Association of India has so far failed to properly address the issue of call drops on one pretext or the other. It is also intriguing how COAI tends to rush to the media to put the Trai in a spot. Isn't it naïve to assume that the Trai will give in easily to their pressure?
Why does the COAI want to be seen as a holy cow? Are its members doing charity work for the people of this country that it seeks special treatment for them?
There's some consolation now that the Department of Telecommunications is working hard to put more spectrum on the block so that the industry's key concern of spectrum scarcity can be addressed. Let's wait and watch.
Kumar Gupt, Panchkula
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number
