DoT may refer spectrum issue to investigating agencies

Communications Minister A Raja, who is convinced that an “undeclared cartel” existed before he assumed office last year, is likely to initiate an enquiry into denial of spectrum to new players prior to 2007 and precious revenue to the exchequer. The DoT had for long been maintaining that there was no surplus spectrum and had even told Raja that no radio frequency was available to accommodate new players.

However, after he took over as the communications minister in May 2007, Raja decided to immediately issue new licences for mobile services. But efforts to do so were met with opposition, including from GSM mobile operators led by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).