TRAI releases consultation paper on "auction of spectrum"

New Delhi, Mar 9 (ANI): The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released consultation paper on "auction of spectrum", and has asked for written comments on the issues raised in the paper from the stakeholders by March 21 and counter-comments by March 28.

The regulatory authority has asked the takeholders to send their comments, preferably in electronic form, by due dates as there will be no further extension of timelines.

Earlier, TRAI issued a pre-consultation paper on February 3, on the issue of "allocation of spectrum in 2G band in 22 service areas by auction", in accordance with the judgment of Supreme Court of India.

On the basis of the comments received from the stakeholders on the pre-consultation paper and considering the international practices, the draft consultation paper on uction of spectrum has been prepared.

The key issues raised in the consultation paper are quantum of spectrum to be auctioned, liberalization of the spectrum, reframing of spectrum in 800/900 MHz bands, structure of auction, spectrum block size, eligibility criteria for participating in the auction, reserve price, roll out obligations, spectrum usage charges and spectrum trading.

The consultation paper has been placed on TRAI website.

The Supreme Court of India in its Judgment on February 2 cancelling all 122 licenses in 2G spectrum allocation case had directed TRAI to make fresh recommendations for grant of license and allocation of spectrum in 2G band in 22 service areas by auction, as was done for allocation of spectrum in 3G band, keeping in view the decision taken by the central government in 2011. (ANI)