The Department of Telecom has asked the Empowered Group of Ministers to take a decision on pricing and auctioning CDMA spectrum in the 800 MHz band.
In a note to the EGoM, the DoT has said since the telecom regulator has expressed its inability to propose a price without undergoing through a fresh consultation, it was now up to the Ministers Group to take a final call.
DoT has also asked the EGoM to approve Telecom Commission’s proposal on pricing spectrum in 1800 MHz and 900 MHz bands. While the TRAI had recommended Rs 1,496 crore per MHz in the 1800 MHz band, the Commission has pegged it at Rs 1,765 crore.
On the issue of spectrum usage charge, the DoT has proposed to de-link the issue from the upcoming auction due to lack of consensus. The TRAI had suggested a flat spectrum usage charge for all operators.
This was opposed by a DoT committee on grounds that it would disturb the playing field. Under the existing rules, operators have to pay between 1 per cent and 8 per cent of the annual revenues depending on the quantum of spectrum they held. TRAI had proposed a flat 3 per cent charge.
The EGoM is expected to meet on November 22 to take a decision on all these issues.