‘TRAI open to re-examining 4G and 5G spectrum prices’

Even because the Centre is readying a bailout package deal for the telecom sector, the Telecom Regulatory Authority India (TRAI) is open to re-examining the worth of 4G and 5G spectrum. The telecom regulator can also be backing a discount within the licence price for operators to six per cent.

Talking to BusinessLine, the newly-appointed TRAI Secretary, V Raghunandan, mentioned: “As soon as the Division of Telecommunications sends the reference for 700 MHz, TRAI will probably be open to re-examining its reference worth.”

The 700 MHz spectrum band was up for auctions in 2016 as nicely, the place it remained unsold resulting from excessive reserve costs. Now, it’ll be put for public sale for the upcoming 5G spectrum auctions which might be slated to occur subsequent 12 months. Sources advised BussinessLine that DoT can be sending the reference for mid-band, mm-wave and 700 MHz spectrum to TRAI quickly.

Bailout package deal

Raghunandan additionally mentioned that the upcoming telecom bailout package deal is more likely to be mentioned on the subsequent Cupboard assembly and will probably be a package deal for telcos total. “TRAI was not, nonetheless, a participant in discussions concerning particulars of the package deal,” clarified Raghunandan.

Relating to TRAI’s stance on to what extent the licence price must be decreased, Raghunandan mentioned: “Of the 8 per cent licence price, 5 per cent is earmarked for the Common Service Obligation Fund, which is aimed to supply connectivity to distant and rural areas. That won’t be touched till we obtain ample rural connectivity. Subsequently, you’re looking a doable licence price of 5-6 per cent.”

Relating to TRAI’s ongoing battle with broadcasters on the second version of the brand new tariff order, the regulator will not be more likely to take motion in opposition to broadcasters that missed the August 12 implementation deadline to submit the brand new Reference Interconnect Provide for the reason that matter is sub judice and awaits Supreme Court docket judgment on Monday.

‘Awaits SC order’

“Implementation of the NTO 2.0 goes to be a long-drawn course of, so delay by just a few weeks is not going to have a lot consequence. Furthermore, ought to Supreme Court docket rule in opposition to the implementation of NTO, commencing the implementation course of can be wasted efforts. Subsequently, TRAI awaits to listen to from the Supreme Court docket,” mentioned Raghunandan.