The Hindu Business Line : Deadline set for 2G allocation

The Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has asked the Department of Telecom to decide on the policy for allocating 2G spectrum within six weeks. The move comes after the DoT approached the Tribunal seeking more time to study the recommendations made by the spectrum committee headed by the Additional Secretary, Mr Subodh Kumar. The deadline to decide on the policy was on June 12, but the DoT sought more time to take a final decision. The TDSAT’s orde r means that the DoT will have to finalise its views by mid-August. This augurs well for existing GSM players which had demanded that 2G spectrum policy should be finalised before 3G auctions. Bidding for 3G spectrum is not expected to take place before October.

The DoT has, meanwhile, put on hold fresh allocation of 2G spectrum till the policy is finalised. It is also planning to take the view of the telecom regulator on the proposed recommendations. There are differences between the spectrum panel and the Communications Ministry on the policy. While the panel suggested giving spectrum through an open auction, the Telecom Ministry is in favour of continuing with the existing subscriber-linked criteria. However, the panel’s views has now been backed by the Economic Survey. – Our Bureau

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