FM asks MoC, MoD to resolve difference over 3G spectrum

Amid differences between the Defence and Telecom ministries over release of spectrum, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said a decision would be taken according to the existing agreement between the two.

Amid differences between the Defence and Telecom ministries over release of spectrum, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said a decision would be taken according to the existing agreement between the two.

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"I am aware of the fact that there are some areas of differences in regard to release of spectrum but in the last few days a MoU was reached between MoD and MoC, and I do hope that decision will be taken as per the letter and spirit of the MoU," Mukherjee said at Economic Editors Conference in New Delhi.

He said the Group of Ministers has given certain directions and the Ministry of Communication will act as per the instructions given by the GoM. The details of the auction and other things are the job of the administrative ministry, he added.

Raja has written two letters to Mukherjee seeking his help to persuade the Defence Ministry to release 3G spectrum before its auction in January.

The Defence Ministry has decided to release only that 3G spectrum which is to be auctioned and that too in phases. In fact, the armed forces have not released spectrum already in use as envisaged in their agreement with the Department of Telecom (DoT).

DoT has issued a revised Information Memorandum and as per that the auction for 3G spectrum would start on January 14, but it could face further slippage in case MoD does not release the spectrum by first week of December.