Licences given to US-based Qualcomm for broadband services will be valid for the next 20 years and not 18.

The telecom tribunal on Wednesday allowed US-based Qualcomm's plea that opposed reduction in the validity period of its broadband licence.

The Department of Telecom had issued licences to the company this year but reduced the licence period and time for completing roll-out obligation. The DoT had done this on grounds that the company should have got the licences in 2010 but it got delayed due to issues with its application.

Qualcomm, however, argued that the delay was caused due to DoT's internal procedural issues and not because of the company.

DoT had reduced the validity of Qualcomm's broadband spectrum to 18 years and six months, from 20 years. Besides, Qualcomm's rollout obligation period was also reduced from five years to three-and-a-half years, which was challenged by the company before the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).

Qualcomm had won the BWA spectrum in four circles -- Delhi, Mumbai, Kerala and Haryana -- for Rs 4,900 crore through bidding in 2010. As per the Notice Inviting Application, companies had the right to use BWA spectrum for a period of 20 years from the date of awarding of spectrum block. Qualcomm got the spectrum this year after a legal battle with the DoT.

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