New Delhi: While the Department of Telecommunications<\/a> (DoT) looks to lay down a specific legal framework for spectrum assignment<\/a>, major telecom operators stand divided with Reliance Jio<\/a> proposing auction as the only way to allocate all kinds of airwaves, while Bharti Airtel<\/a> wants only terrestrial access spectrum be auctioned and satellite and backhaul airwaves be granted administratively. Vodafone Idea<\/a> wants all spectrum, apart from backhaul, be auctioned.
All the telecom operators have given their comments as part of the consultation on devising a new legal framework to govern the telecommunications sector in the country. As per DoT officials, a draft document is being prepared to be shared for further comments from all stakeholders.
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“As per Airtel<\/a>, spectrum for satellite and backhaul purposes should be given administratively, while Vodafone Idea wants administrative allocation for backhaul airwaves and auction as the preferred way for access and satellite spectrum,” said an official, on condition of anonymity.
Queries sent to Reliance<\/a> Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea remained unanswered at the time of going to press.
Satellite and technology players have also been opposing auction as the only way to allocate spectrum. “We will study the comments of various stakeholders and see what best could be offered. We must establish a future-ready framework for development of the telecommunications sector and deployment of new technologies,” said an official.
As per the consultation paper issued by DoT, currently, spectrum assignment is done through a combination of policies and court orders. “A new law needs to bring in regulatory clarity and lay down a specific legal framework. The principle needs to be that spectrum will be assigned to best serve the common good and enable wide-spread access to telecommunication services,” the paper said.
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