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Auction only for 3G spectrum, says Raja
 
Indiantelevision.com Team

(12 December 2007 11:10 pm)

 

NEW DELHI: The decision of the Communication and Information Technology Ministry to auction only the 3G Spectrum and follow the existing policy for the 2G spectrum has left cellular operators surprised and irate.

 

Coupled with this announcement and the order of the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appelate Tribunal (TDSAT) refusing to stay the allocation of spectrum to those licence-holders waiting in a queue since December 2006, it is learnt that the Cellular Operators Association of India is contemplating moving the Delhi High Court.

Speaking to mediapersons after the inauguration of TELECOM 2007 by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Communication Minister A Raja said that 2G was not being auctioned in an attempt to create a level playing field. He said the department has already put the system in place for 2G and other possibilities may be explored if required.

 
Meanwhile, while stressing that the policy should not create entry barriers to newcomers or barriers to the continued growth of the important sector, Dr Manmohan Singh said ‘the revenue potential to the government must not be lost sight of’. GSM incumbents have been offering higher prices for spectrum. It is learnt that 46 applicants are awaiting licences under the policy announced earlier this year.

The TDSAT order by Justice Arun Kumar came while hearing the petition of COAI against the Department of Telecommunications on spectrum allocation and allotment to both CDMA and GSM technology.
 
 
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