The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has requested the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for reallocation of 5 MHz of spectrum held by state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in the 900 MHz band. In particular, the industry body has suggested reallocation of the operator’s spectrum so that the contiguous spectrum could be made available in the upcoming auction in 2014. The contiguous spectrum will help telecom operators in providing their data services efficiently.

At present, BSNL holds fragmented spectrum in the 900 MHz band, which is used for 2G voice and data services across 20 circles. Industry reports state that except for the West Bengal service area, all circles have at least one block of contiguous spectrum available in the 900 MHz band. COAI is of the view that combining the spectrum given to BSNL in small blocks would expand the contiguous spectrum available for auction to 15 MHz.