GSM, CDMA players at loggerheads over 800 MHz pricing

GSM and CDMA players were a divided house over the valuation and reserve price of 800 MHz band, used for offering CDMA services.
During an open house discussion organised by sectoral regulator Trai today, GSM lobby was of the view that reserve price of 800 MHz should be set at par with the 900 MHz as both the bands are equally efficient.
However, the CDMA lobby said the valuation and reserve price should be kept low as most of the 800 MHz spectrum band was not contiguous, which will deter them from offering high-end services.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) hosted the discussion to seek the opinion of stakeholders on the reserve price for auction of spectrum in the 800 MHz band.

The CDMA lobby, which includes Sistema Shyam Teleservices, Tata Teleservices and Reliance Communications, were in favour of keeping the reserve price at 0.65 times of the price determined at the 2013 auctions.
The rival group, comprising of telcos like Bharti Airtel and Vodafone, said the 800 MHz band is efficient and hence, it should be priced on the lines of 900 MHz band.

Responding to the comments, TRAI Chairman Rahul Khullar said the operators should present their thoughts to help the regulator provide recommendations for the reserve of 800 MHz band.
TRAI has released a consultation paper on reserve price for auction of 800MHz band spectrum.

The key issues raised in the consultation paper are quantum of spectrum to be auctioned, spectrum block-size and methods to be used for valuation and estimation of reserve price of spectrum.