NEW DELHI: The department of telecom (DoT)
has finally sought views on the allocation of the fourth generation or
4G airwaves to the two public sector telcos— Bharat Sanchar Nigam
Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) from the sector regulator which is planning to start consultation process soon.
“We have received reference a couple of days back on 4G spectrum allocation to BSNL and MTNL. We will issue a consultation paper and hold open house discussion on it soon,” Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) chairman Ram Sewak Sharma Tuesday said.
Last week, ETTelecom has reported that the telecom watchdog was yet to receive a formal communication from the department on the allocation of 4G airwaves to the two state-controlled service providers administratively.
In February, the department said that it has sought suggestions from Trai which would help it to further move in a direction to allow desired frequencies to both BSNL and MTNL that wanted to foray into much-awaited 4G services.
The
government has asked the regulator to come out with its views on the
administrative allocation of 4G spectrum as well as the quantum, price
and appropriate frequency range for the public-sector companies.
The two service operators have asked the government to allocate spectrum for 4G services through the equity route.
“We expect Trai to soon come out with its recommendations based on its well-established extensive consultation process,” BSNL chairman Anupam Shrivastava told ETT.
BSNL has sought radio waves in the 2100 MHz spectrum for pan India operation except in the Rajasthan circle, while MTNL, which only operates in two metros, has asked for the 1800 MHz spectrum in Delhi and 2100 MHz in Mumbai.
Both BSNL and MTNL consider 4G airwaves as one of the critical components of their revival that could also allow them to compete with the likes of private players such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea.
“We have received reference a couple of days back on 4G spectrum allocation to BSNL and MTNL. We will issue a consultation paper and hold open house discussion on it soon,” Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) chairman Ram Sewak Sharma Tuesday said.
Last week, ETTelecom has reported that the telecom watchdog was yet to receive a formal communication from the department on the allocation of 4G airwaves to the two state-controlled service providers administratively.
In February, the department said that it has sought suggestions from Trai which would help it to further move in a direction to allow desired frequencies to both BSNL and MTNL that wanted to foray into much-awaited 4G services.
The two service operators have asked the government to allocate spectrum for 4G services through the equity route.
“We expect Trai to soon come out with its recommendations based on its well-established extensive consultation process,” BSNL chairman Anupam Shrivastava told ETT.
BSNL has sought radio waves in the 2100 MHz spectrum for pan India operation except in the Rajasthan circle, while MTNL, which only operates in two metros, has asked for the 1800 MHz spectrum in Delhi and 2100 MHz in Mumbai.
Both BSNL and MTNL consider 4G airwaves as one of the critical components of their revival that could also allow them to compete with the likes of private players such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea.
