EGoM clears intra-service area merger

The empowered group of ministers on telecom on Thursday cleared the intra-service area merger of telecom operators. It would be referred to the Cabinet, which would meet on November 8, for approval. The merged entity should be entitled for only one block of 4.4 MHz and would require to pay the difference between the market determined spectrum price beyond the set limit and the sum already paid based on the administered price of Rs 1,658 crore, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said.