Videocon Telecom Says in Talks With 3 Operators for Spectrum Trading

Videocon Telecommunications on Wednesday said it is in talks with three telecom operators for spectrum sharing and trading agreement and expects the close the deal soon.

"We are already in active discussions with 3 telecom operators on exploring possibilities around spectrum sharing and trading, and now with the announcement of spectrum trading policy, the discussion will gain momentum and soon we will conclude the pact(s)," Videocon Telecom Director & CEO Arvind Bali said in a statement.

The government today approved spectrum trading guidelines under which telecom operators will be able to sell radiowaves to other service providers, a move that will help address the problem of spectrum shortage.

Videocon Telecommunications, which restarted telecom business in 2013, has operations in Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. It has permit to operate in Bihar as well but is yet to start its operations there.

The company's spectrum holding six service area, excluding Punjab, can be put for spectrum sharing and trading. "Now, with the announcement of spectrum trading policy, the entire roadmap gets clear with already announced spectrum sharing and M&A policies. This will make decision making between operators very quick and soon we will see telcos signing pacts," Bali said.

He said spectrum sharing and trading guidelines will lead to efficient use of spectrum, that will bring new technologies for consumers, improve quality of service, reduce required number of towers, bring down call drops etc.