Vodafone India seeks early allocation of spectrum won in Feb auctions

Telecom operator Vodafone India has sought for an “immediate” allocation of the spectrum it won during the auctions held in February.

In a letter to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the GSM operator has sought 1800 MHz spectrum in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.

“With only seven weeks left, as per DoT, the presently deployed spectrum in 900 MHz is to be replaced by 900 MHz won in auctions. Hence, timely earmarking of the spectrum won is essential for the company to replace existing spectrum which is in full operational use in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata service areas,” Vodafone India said in the communiqué.

“In places such as Delhi the quantum will in fact get reduced from 8 MHz to 5 MHz. Further in all circles, the frequency spots for 900 MHz and 1800 MHz are changing. In such a scenario it is imperative to deploy the 1800 MHz spectrum won in auctions first which will then enable release of the existing 900 MHz,” it added.

Vodafone India, a subsidiary of British telecom major Vodafone, alleged that the spectrum has not been earmarked till now despite several reminders.

The GSM operator had also sought a six-month extension for using existing 900 MHz frequencies from the date of the allotment of 1800 MHz.

“Under the current situation, with very little time left and spectrum in 1800 MHz not yet earmarked, any such replacement of 900 MHz on the prescribed date is bound to considerably impact services despite best efforts by the company,” it said.

“The changeover under normal circumstances could take at least six months after the earmarking of frequencies,” it added.

Telecom operators, who had won spectrum in the February auctions were yet to be allocated the radio waves.

Vodafone India’s licences for telecom services in these circles expire in November.

rajesh.kurup@thehindu.co.in

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