The Hindu Business Line : Govt to begin spectrum allocation to new players

New Delhi, Dec. 12 The Department of Telecom on Wednesday told the telecom tribunal that it would start allocating spectrum to new operators since the GSM operators had withdrawn from the Government appointed panel reviewing the subscriber-linked allocation criteria.

The move would allow DoT to process the application from new players including Reliance Communications. Two more CDMA players — Shyam Telecom and HFCL — have also paid up the money for GSM spectrum in Rajasthan and Punjab, respectively, following the development.

Solicitor General G.E. Vahanvati, appearing on behalf of the Government, had earlier told the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) that no spectrum would be allocated until the panel had finalised its report.

However since the GSM operators, who had filed the petition against the Government’s spectrum allocation policy, have dissociated from the panel, the TDSAT said that it was relieving the SG from the earlier commitment.

“The learned Solicitor General submits that the committee appointed by the Government has not submitted its report so far. The deliberations of the committee may take a little more time. He has also brought to my notice a letter dated December 12 written on behalf of the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) to the Chairman of the committee objecting to the deliberations of the committee and the manner of functioning of the committee. The letter also states that it is a formal notice of disassociation from the committee by COAI. In view of the said letter, the learned Solicitor-General submits that the Government will not be bound by the statement made by him before this Tribunal on November 12. The learned Solicitor-General is accordingly relieved of the said statement made by him on behalf of the Government,” said the order from Mr Justice Arun Kumar, Chairman, TDSAT.

Blow to GSM camp

The tribunal also refused a plea from the GSM camp for a complete stay on the spectrum allocation.

The ruling comes as a blow to the existing GSM operators who are opposed to the entry of new players before additional spectrum is made available to them.

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