Montek plan on spectrum sent to EGoM

Telecom minister Kapil Sibal has referred a proposal by Planning Commission chief Montek Singh Ahluwalia to seek fresh recommendations of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on the reserve price of spectrum, to the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM).

Telecom minister Kapil Sibal has referred a proposal by Planning Commission chief Montek Singh Ahluwalia to seek fresh recommendations of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on the reserve price of spectrum, to the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM).

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There were no takers of spectrum in four circles during two rounds of auction held in last seven months. Ahuwalia has pointed out that if there is no bidder in the fresh round of auction, it would reflect badly on investments in India.

Meanwhile, the department of telecommunications (DoT) is likely to ask Idea Cellular, Vodafone India, Tata Teleservices, and Aircel to present their views on their 3G roaming pacts. Under these pacts they were providing services even in those areas where they did not have spectrum. Currently, Idea and Vodafone are engaged in litigation with the DoT on the issue of penalty imposed by the later for providing 3G services.

Earlier, the department gave private audience to Bharti. Now, the remaining companies have also sought meetings with DoT officials on this issue.