This story is from August 19, 2006

Policy on spectrum pricing by Sept: Trai

Sanjay Anand / TNN / Aug 19, 2006, 02:04 IST

Share

AA

Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

Friday's was the last meeting slated for providing final inputs to Trai, ending the consultation process on spectrum for 3G (third generation) services.

Policy on spectrum pricing by Sept: Trai

NEW DELHI: The split is showing. In an interesting turn to the last leg of consultation process on allocation and pricing of spectrum, CDMA lobby group Auspi (supported by Tatas and Reliance) did not turn up for a joint meeting with GSM industry association (Airtel, Hutch and Idea).
The meeting of the two industry groups was called by Trai. Friday's was the last meeting slated for providing final inputs to Trai, ending the consultation process on spectrum for 3G (third generation) services that enable customers to access video, music and graphics at very high speeds on their mobiles.
Trai chairman Nripendra Misra said regulator would submit final recommendations to the government by September end.He confirmed that Auspi did not turn up for the meeting. "We had provided the two groups a platform to thrash out their viewpoints. But it seems Auspi didn't feel the need to do that on Friday."
GSM industry officials said Auspi's absence indicated Reliance, the leading CDMA operator which has decided to move to GSM services, could have views more in common with them on 3G leaving Tatas alone in the long run.

Reliance and Tatas had been seeking spectrum in 1900 MHz band for providing 3G services, while GSM lobby was seeking 2.1 GHz.
Tatas had favoured entry fee (Rs 1,500 crore) for allocation of spectrum on nationwide basis, something that other operators opposed on grounds that it was too high and will make 3G services expensive.
GSM lobby COAI opposed a suggestion that India could go on the lines of spectrum auction in Europe.

End of Article

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA