COAI Applauds TRAI'S Recommendation on 2100 MHz Spectrum

In what could pave the way for better utilization of spectrum in the country, COAI has welcomed the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) recommendations on its recommendations towards Valuation and Reserve Price of 2100 MHz spectrum.

The TRAI has recommended a base price of INR 2,720 crore per
megahertz (MHz) for 2100 MHz spectrum for the 22 telecom circles in the country. TRAI has also reiterated its suggestion 2100 MHz band spectrum should be auctioned along with other bands (800, 900 and 1800MHz), in
February 2015.

In a statement COAI said that it appreciates the TRAI’s suggestion to auction the 2100 MHz spectrum alongside the other bands, as this will help relieve the acute spectrum crunch faced by the operators. The industry is also encouraged with the TRAI recommendation regarding auction of the entire 15 MHz of spectrum which will be vacated by Defence as has been informed by the Ministry of Defence.
Rajan S. Mathews, Director General, COAI, said, “We are happy that TRAI has taken into consideration the broad requirements for the development of progressive telecommunications eco-system in the country. It is
essential that the fundamental resource of spectrum is augmented so as to support this objective, which is common to the government as well as the industry. Overall, we are happy with the approach of the regulator in
acknowledging the needs for an emerging mobile broadband network in the country.”

COAI also complimented the TRAI, Hon’ble Minister of Communications & IT, Hon’ble Minister of Defence, DoT Secretary and Defence Secretary for the agreement on 2100 MHz spectrum swap which will enhance the overall quantum of spectrum that was urgently required for commercial use. This will facilitate the implementation of the Hon’ble Prime Minister's vision of ‘Broadband for All’, and is a right step to make adequate spectrum available for auction.

COAI has also welcomed the Authority’s gesture in asking the Government to resolve the issue of interference in 2100 MHz spectrum allocated in certain areas. As the operators have not been able to properly roll out services in these service areas, it is depriving the customers of the benefits of 3G services and is becoming a stumbling block in meeting the Government’s objectives on “Digital India” in these areas.