582 MHz spectrum needed by '14: Trai

Telecom regulator Trai today said a total of 582 MHz of spectrum would be required for mobile and broadband services in India by 2014. Out of 1,161 MHz of identified spectrum, a minimum of 287 MHz and a maximum of 454 MHz was currently available for commercial usage, it said.

The information was revealed in the consultation paper issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on spectrum management and review of licence terms and conditions. After the consultation, the regulator would decide on crucial issues such as auction of 2G radio waves and whether the number of players in one circle needs to be restricted and give its recommendations by November-end.

The capping of number of players in a circle needs to be looked into because of the number of pending applications and non-availability of spectrum. Trai has asked all shareholders to give their comments by November 12.

About 343 applications are still pending with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for mobile services.

With increased pace of competing commercial demands for spectrum access, the incumbents, including government agencies are expressing difficulty in vacating the spectrum. It is imperative to ensure the needs of security and development are both taken into consideration, which calls for a short- and long-term plan for reframing of spectrum in different bands after taking into account the requirement of the incumbents.