Trai Issues Consultation Paper for Spectrum Auction

Telecom regulator Trai Thursday issued consultation paper for valuation and reserve price ofspectrum in 7 bands including 700, 900 and 2100 megahertz for the next round of auctions.

The regulator has sought stakeholders comments on issues like quantum of spectrum to be auctioned, spectrum block size, spectrum cap, roll-out obligations and methods to be used for valuation and estimation of reserve price of spectrum.

Clarifying its position over reported delay in the paper, and hence the auctions, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India said the information sent by the Department of Telecom on July 9 was not sufficient.

Trai said on July 24, it had sought the information which was critical in nature for preparation of the consultation paper. The auctions are expected to be held within this fiscal.

"DoT provided certain information through their letter dated October 16. This information in also not complete. Therefore, another letter was sent to DoT on November 16... however, to save time, the Authority has decided to issue the consultation paper based on available information," Trai said.

Trai said on July 9, DoT communicated that the government is planning for auction of right to use of spectrum in 700 Mhz, 800 Mhz, 900 Mhz, 1800 Mhz, 2100 Mhz, 2300 Mhz and 2500 Mhz in the forthcoming auction.

The regulator said DoT also referred to its earlier reference dated October 16, 2014 and requested it to expedite the recommendations on applicable reserve price 2300 Mhz and 2500 Mhz bands for all service areas.

"Further, DoT vide its letter dated November 6, 2015, has sought the recommendations of the Authority on liberalisation of administratively alloted spectrum in 900 Mhz band," Trai said.

Stakeholders can send their written comments by December 21 and counter-comments by December 28. "Stakeholders are requested to send their comments by due dates as there will be no extension of timelines," Trai said.