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Trai for slashing spectrum charges
NEW DELHI: Telecom regulator today recommended that spectrum fee paid by service providers to the government be lowered to four per cent (of the revenue) and added that a group of ministers be constituted to look into the spectrum allocation issue to further liberalize the regime.
At present, the telecom service providers pay six per cent of their revenue as spectrum charges.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai)’s suggestion on reduction of spectrum charges, if accepted by government, could lead to reduction in telecom tariffs, report news agencies.
On the allocation of controversial 1900 MHz band, however, the Authority said it cannot be vacated by the defence sector and, thus, recommended that both GSM and CDMA players be allocated spectrum in the 2ghz bandwidth, PTI stated.
The suggestion on formation of GoM on spectrum is aimed at paving the way for further telecom expansion in the country and to achieve the target of 200 million mobile subscribers by 2007.
“Trai recognises that US-PCS 1900 MHz bandwidth for CDMA operators cannot be vacated by defence, hence even CDMA services will have to be allocated spectrum in 2 GHz band,” the regulator said in a statement here.
Present spectrum allocation criterion for both GSM and CDMA operators may be revised within one month of acceptance of these recommendations such that, while retaining the subscriber base approach, the quantum and steps for additional spectrum allocation and area of co-ordination are technology neutral, PTI quoted Trai as saying.
Commenting on the recommendations, Trai chairman Pradip Baijal said, “We have maintained the technology neutrality stand in our recommendations. Both GSM and CDMA operators have been given equal opportunity to pursue both 2G (voice) as well as 3G (advance mobile
technology) services.
Trai also recommended that a technology neutral policy for allocation of additional spectrum need to be followed for both GSM and CDMA operators. With a view to avoid the hoarding of spectrum, Trai said an additional annual spectrum charge on per MHz basis would be charged for IMT-2000 spectrum till the service provider rolls out such services.
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.
