Telecom Commission[1] has cleared the raising of spectrum holding limit for mobile operators and DoT[2] is likely to send it this week for Cabinet approval as part of relief measures that have been suggested for the sector by an inter-ministerial group (IMG), an official source said today.
The apex decision-making body of the Department of Telecom (DoT) has concurred with sectoral regulator TRAI's suggestion to raise spectrum holding limit of mobile operators which will ease the exit route for those under stress.
"The DoT will send three proposals of IMG, cleared by Telecom Commission on spectrum cap, deferment of spectrum payment and reduction of interest on penalties to Cabinet this week," the source said.
TRAI had recommended last month that the ceiling on spectrum held by mobile operators within a particular band should be removed. It suggested a 50 percent cap on combined radiowave holding in efficient bands like 700 MHz, 800 MHz and 900 MHz.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had also suggested that the overall cap on holding spectrum should be raised from the current 25 percent to 35 percent.
As per the current rules, no mobile service provider can hold more than 25 percent spectrum, vital for transmitting signals, in an area and more than 50 percent in a frequency band.
The source said DoT will now send drafts of the relief package cleared by the Telecom Commission based on the recommendations of an inter-ministerial panel to Cabinet this week for final approval.
The Commission had earlier approved extension of time period for the payment of spectrum bought in auctions by operators to 16 years from the current 10 years.
It had also approved the IMG recommendation to lower the...