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TRAI Consultation Paper on 800 MHz Spectrum wants stakeholders’ opinion on pricing
NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRAI) of India has asked stakeholders for their views on whether the value of 800 MHz spectrum should be derived on the basis of the value of 1800 MHz spectrum using technical efficiency factors.
It has also sought to know the block size in the 800 MHz band and what should be the quantum of spectrum in the 800 MHz band that should be put up for auction.
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It has also asked if there is any case for application of a lower efficiency factor (1.3) over the valuation of 1800 MHz spectrum, for determining the valuation of 800 MHz, as was done in the previous auction and give detailed reasons for the same.
The stakeholders have been asked if the value to be paid for 800 MHz spectrum should be based upon the potential growth in data services.
The questions have been asked in a Consultation Paper by TRAI on the Reserve Price of the Spectrum for 800 MHz in response to a query in this regard by the Department of Telecommunications on 12 December.
Written Comments on the Consultation Paper are invited from the stakeholders by 15 January and counter-comments by 22 January. As the issue has to be decided urgently, no extension will be granted. Comments and counter-comments will be posted on TRAI’s website www.trai.gov.in.
Open House Discussion (OHD) on this consultation paper will be held on 27 January, 2014 in New Delhi. This may be treated as an advance notice for the OHD.
Other questions include whether the value of spectrum in the 800 MHz band should be assessed on the basis of producer surplus on account of additional spectrum and reasons and calculations for the views given.
TRAI also wants to know if the value of spectrum in the LSAs in India for 800 MHz should be determined by utilising the data on international prices or what other variables can be suggested for arriving at robust value estimates using the multiple regression approach.
Apart from the approaches discussed in the paper, TRAI wants to know if there are any alternate approaches for valuation of spectrum in 800 MHz that you would suggest.
It has also sought opinion on the ratio adopted between the reserve price for the auction and the valuation of the spectrum.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
