Sistema moves TDSAT seeking additional spectrum

Sistema Shyam, which operates mobile services under MTS brand, has approached telecom tribunal TDSAT seeking directions to the Department of Telecom (DoT) to allot additional 1.25 Mhz spectrum as the second tranche in six circles.

Admitting the petition, the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has issued notice to DoT asking it to reply within three weeks.

The tribunal has also given one week to SSTL, the joint venture company between Sistema of Russia and Shyam Group, to file rejoinder a week after that. It has listed the matter for next hearing on December 12.

SSTL has sought next tranche of 1.25 Mhz spectrum and has requested the tribunal to direct DoT to take a decision on it.

As per the spectrum allocation policy, SSTL was initially alloted 2.5 Mhz start up spectrum and is now entitled for additional tranche of radio waves after having met the subscriber-linked criteria.

SSTL had applied for additional spectrum for six circles including Delhi, Mumbai, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in January.

According to the company, its application has been pending before DoT since then. It submitted that it has already fulfilled eligibility criteria, having reached 8,00,000 subscribers.

Senior counsel Ramji Srinivasan and Manjoor Ali, appearing for SSTL, submitted that the concerns of the company urgently need to be heard.

SSTL has the spectrum to provide mobile telephony services in all the 22 circles across the country.