TRAI seeks information on 3G spectrum

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Tuesday sought more information on the availability of 3G spectrum while proposing that the vacant 3G slots be put up in the upcoming auction, along with the spectrum in 900 MHz and 1,800 MHz bands. The department of telecom (DoT) on October 16 had sought TRAI's recommendations on the reserve price for 2,100 MHz, 2,300 MHz and 2,500 MHz bands for all the service areas.

"TRAI will not be in a position to go ahead with the consultation process in the absence of full information with regard to total availability of the spectrum in the 2,100 MHz band (3G). Therefore, the DoT is requested to indicate the decision regarding the above at the earliest," TRAI said in a letter to the DoT. The DoT has informed TRAI that at present no vacant spectrum is available with it in 2100 MHz band and discussions with Defence are underway for release of one block of five MHz of spectrum.

However, in TRAI's October 15 recommendations, it is mentioned that the DoT has assigned the fifth block of five MHz in the 2,100 MHz band in five service areas and in the remaining 17 areas, the spectrum is available with the DoT.

"DoT is requested to clarify whether the discussions with Defence to release one block of 5 MHz is for the same block which has been already auctioned in five out of 22 LSAs or the discussion would result in release of one more block of spectrum, thus, making two blocks of spectrum available for auction," TRAI said.

The TRAI had also recommended that entire 2x60 MHz in the 2,100 MHz band should be made available for commercial use.

"If required, Defence may be assigned spectrum in the 1,900 MHz band (1,910-1,920/1,980-1,990 MHz). It was further recommended that this matter is of utmost importance, and therefore, it must be taken up at the highest level and the vacant 3G slots should be put to auction along with the spectrum in 900 and 1800 MHz bands," TRAI said.

TRAI had already recommended the reserve price for 900 MHz and 1,800 Mhz bands, the auction for which is scheduled for February 2015.