Date:03/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/03/stories/2009070360811100.htm

National

Ministers’ group to decide on issues related to 3G

Special Correspondent

Differences between TRAI and DoT on various issues: Raja

e-GoM will decide on reserve price and number of operators per circle
Minister rules out foul play in the spectrum allocation process

NEW DELHI: Union Communications and Information Technology Minister A. Raja said on Thursday that an ‘empowered Group of Ministers’ (e-GoM) will take a final decision on issues related to 3G mobile services, including the reserve price for spectrum.

It was decided to refer the matter to the e-GoM as there were differences between the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on various issues related to 3G services, Mr. Raja told the Rajya Sabha.

The e-GoM would be convened soon, he said. “There are two issues in front of the e-GoM — what should be the reserve price for the auction of 3G spectrum and how many blocks of spectrum should be auctioned [operators allowed per telecom circle].” He ruled out foul play or scam in the spectrum allocation process.

After months of deliberations, the TRAI and DoT had failed to reach a consensus on three mains issues — reserve price for spectrum, the number of 3G operators per circle and the annual administrative charge to be levied on telecom companies.

This had led to a delay in the rollout of advanced mobile services, though State-owned telecom firms, the BSNL and MTNL, were providing truncated 3G services in some areas.