Telecom Commission may discuss 800 MHz spectrum liberalisation

Inter-ministerial panel Telecom Commission is likely to discuss tomorrow liberalisation of 800 MHz spectrum in circles where a market-determined price is not available.
According to sources, sectoral regulator Trai has given its views to Department of Telecom (DoT) regarding the mechanism that should be followed to determine the liberalisation fee for those circles.
The Telecom Commission, which is also the highest decision making body of DoT, will deliberate upon the options suggested by Trai.
The government has already issued guidelines to liberalise the administratively alloted 2G spectrum, allowing operators to offer latest mobile services, including 4G, using the same radiowaves.

A decision on the issue will allow Reliance Communications to liberalise spectrum in four circles of Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, where a market determined price is not available.
RCom had applied for liberalising its 800 MHz spectrum in 20 circles a few months back. The company had already paid Rs 5,383.84 crore as spectrum liberalisation fee for 16 telecom circles.