‘Not enough spectrum for 4 operators’

There may be only one 3G operator in Rajasthan and two each in West Bengal and the North East, reports Manoj Gairola.

There may be only one 3G operator in Rajasthan and two each in West Bengal and the North East.

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“In all other telecom circles, where less than 20 MHz spectrum is available in 2.1 GHz band, the number of available 5 MHz blocks should be auctioned,” an October 5, letter by telecom secretary P.J. Thomas to cabinet secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar said.

Earlier, an empowered group of ministers (EGOM) had decided that four blocks of 5 MHz spectrum would be auctioned in a region. This means that the four players will be awarded 3G spectrum in each circle.

Thomas has said in some circles such as Rajasthan, West Bengal and the North East, 3G spectrum is inadequate for four operators, while Delhi and Gujarat can have four operators.

Thomas has said even though the finance ministy has made a provision of Rs 35,000 crore of revenue from 3G auction, it should clearly identify the number of slots available for auction.