All spectrum should be priced: ex-secy

Former communications secretary SM Aggarwal has suggested that all spectrum should be priced and no single operator should hold more than 30% of the total spectrum available in order to ensure fair competition among wireless services.

Former communications secretary SM Aggarwal has suggested that all spectrum should be priced and no single operator should hold more than 30% of the total spectrum available in order to ensure fair competition among wireless services.

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"The existing wireless planning and coordination wing of the ministry of communications and IT shall be strengthened and converted into an independent body to deal with and ensure efficient utilisation of RF spectrum," said Aggarwal, who is also the chairman of Telecom Futures Group, in a letter to communications minister Kapil Sibal. Futures Group consists of telecom, media and IT professionals and seeks to work for the long-term benefit of the nation.

Aggarwal also laid stress on encouraging domestic manufacturing instead of adopting entirely foreign equipment.