Key issues remain unresolved in Telecom Commission meet

The Telecom Commission, a decision making arm of Telecom Ministry, today met to consider a host of proposals including one-time charges for extra spectrum held by operators, licensing issues, national broadband plan and the sale of surplus land lying with Tata Communications.

According to sources, the meeting remained inconclusive as some of the members asked the Commission to get legal opinion on some of the proposals especially with regard to one-time charge for extra spectrum as the proposal may have wide ramifications for the telecom industry.

"Due diligence was not followed by DoT. There were possible legal implications on various issues. We have asked them to give more clarity and details on the proposals," said a senior official present at the Telecom Commission meet. The official did not wish to be named.

The Telecom Commission meet was scheduled today to discuss and decide on various subjects of Telecom industry. This included decision on National Broadband Plan, 773.13 acres of surplus lands of VSNL, Spectrum management and licensing related issues, spectrum allocation charges.

Legal tenability of DoT's proposal of rolling out optical fibre network through state-run telecom company Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) was also questioned by the members at the meeting.

On formation of a separate company to manage all land assets under DoT, members have asked for details on funding mechanism and viability of the proposed company by DoT.

DoT has proposed to include surplus VSNL land to come under purview of the proposed company. VSNL was taken over by Tata Communication in 2002. However, the deal did not include 773.13 acres of company's land asset. This land asset has been lying unused post acquisition of VSNL.

DoT has been asked to add details in the various proposals and present it to the Telecom Commission meet, which is to be held by end of July.

"We (Telecom Commission members) will meet again by end of this month," the official said.