DoT forms panel to examine Trai's proposals on spectrum

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has formed a nine-membered committee to examine the recommendations made by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on Tuesday on pricing of spectrum in 800, 900 and 1,800 MHz bands.

The committee, chaired by Anil Kaushal (member, technology, DoT), will hold detailed deliberations on the recommendations made by the regulator on allocation of spectrum in 800, 900 and 1800 MHz bands through auction in the interest of the country as well as the service providers.

The committee can co-opt or invite an expert whose opinion may be helpful. It will submit its report on the benefits and drawbacks of the Trai’s recommendations within a month.

The DoT, in a letter dated 10 July, had sought Trai’s recommendations on the applicable reserve price for the auction of spectrum in the 800, 900 and 1800 MHz. Soon after in a letter dated August 22, the DoT had sought Trai’s recommendation on trading of spectrum obtained through auction and the attendant legal, regulatory and technical framework.