Spectrum allocation and OTT services: Draft Telecom Bill makes key changes

Spectrum for satellite broadband services is not in the Bill's list and it would likely be auctioned

The much-awaited draft of the Indian Telecommunications Bill, released for discussion Wednesday night, seeks to make key changes to the statutory framework governing telecom services in India.

The bill lays down a framework for spectrum assignment, primarily through auctions and administrative allocation in special cases.

These special cases relate to government and the public interest, such as defence, transportation, and research, when spectrum can be assigned through the administrative process. This provision is expected to resolve the confusion caused by the Supreme Court order of 2012, which was interpreted to mean that all spectrum can only be auctioned.

The bill brings over-the-top (OTT)