The Telecom Commission has accepted telecom regulator’s proposal to permit spectrum trading and sharing. The Commission has, however, asked TRAI to work out the modalities before implementing it.
TRAI had recommended that private entities should be allowed to sell spectrum that they have bought in auction. “Only that spectrum should be allowed to be traded which has either been obtained through auction or on which the telecom service provider has paid the prescribed market value to the Government,” TRAI had said.
The Department of Telecom had taken a view that trading may not be practical at this point in time and the Government should take a complete view before allowing. The Telecom Commission has given an in-principle nod.
The Planning Commission had backed this proposal on ground that trading will enable efficient usage of spectrum. It would also enhance the value of spectrum in the auction because the operators will be able to generate additional revenue by selling radio frequency.