E-Paper
No 4G spectrum auction for now: Raja
The government does not have any plans as of now to auction 4G spectrum, Communications Minister A Raja said on Thursday.
The government does not have any plans as of now to auction 4G spectrum, Communications Minister A Raja said on Thursday.
"The auction of 3G spectrum is going on successfully. The question of the need of 700 MHz (4G) spectrum (for the public) is being studied. It is not necessary as of now," Raja said during question hour in the Rajya Sabha.
"If in the course of time, the need arises, we will decide how much of this should be released for the public," he added.
Noting that spectrum was in various categories, ranging from 1G to 5G, Raja pointed out that the 4G spectrum was currently controlled by the information and broadcasting ministry and was being used by state broadcaster Doordarshan.
In a written statement tabled in the Rajya Sabha, Raja said: "TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) has issued a pre-consultation paper to identify the issues involved in the introduction of 4G services such as allocation and pricing of spectrum for such services and issues related to licensing.
"Various stakeholders have given their views/comments at the pre-consultation stage which are being analysed by TRAI for preparation of a consultation paper," the statement added.
