The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has reiterated its recommendations regarding pricing and valuation of spectrum in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands. TRAI had suggested about 10 per cent higher base price than what was received in February 2014 auction. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had in turn sought clarifications regarding the methodology for arriving at this reserve price and had suggested applying the same method used in the February 2014 auction for determining the spectrum base price in the next round auctions as well.

Meanwhile, TRAI has also stated that it stands by its proposal of not conducting the next round of spectrum auction unless adequate spectrum is available. The authority in its recent recommendations had proposed to take back 1.2 MHz of 900 MHz spectrum from Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and suggested swapping the idle 1800 MHz spectrum in the Defence band with spectrum in the 1900 MHz band. It reiterated that dialogue needs to be held at the level of the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Communications and IT and the Ministry of Defence to ensure the availability of additional spectrum for commercial use.

Meanwhile it has also stated that it will reply separately to specific queries on auction of spectrum in the 800 MHz band auction and has reiterated its stand on adoption of E-GSM for efficient utilisation of spectrum in this band.

The final policy will require the Telecom Commission and the cabinet’s approval before it can be included in the notice inviting applications (NIA) for the forthcoming auction.