Sistema Shyam TeleServices Limited (SSTL) which is a key player in the CDMA segment is of the view that given the high reserve price of spectrum to be auctioned in the 800 MHz band, spectrum trading and sharing could prove to be a viable alternative for expanding its network.

 The operator is awaiting further clarifications from the government on spectrum sharing and trading norms. SSTL along with other CDMA operators including Reliance Communications and Tata Teleservices Limited have termed reserve price of spectrum to be auctioned in the 800 MHz band as too high.

Earlier, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had suggested a pan-India reserve price of Rs 26.85 billion per block for CDMA spectrum. The proposed reserve price is 52 per cent higher than the reserve price set by TRAI for the spectrum auctioned in the 1800 MHz band. Further, the reserve price is also 47.5 per cent higher than the reserve price of Rs 18.2 billion for the CDMA spectrum sold in the previous March 2013 auction.

SSTL plans to boost its spectrum availability by exploring strategic alliances with other operators. The operator is eyeing additional spectrum through sharing to further strengthen its data offerings.