Intra-Circle Telecom Buys May Be Allowed

Spectrum allocation of acquired company may have to be surrendered

The government may permit intra-circle licence acquisitions by cellular firms if they are willing to surrender the spectrum allocation belonging to the acquired company.

Senior government officials said such a move would ensure a level playing field for the acquirer and other cellular service providers in the same circle.

By re-auctioning the freed spectrum allocation, the government will not only maintain the number of operators in a circle at four but also bring additional revenue to the exchequer.