The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) is of the view that the recently released recommendations by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will address the issue of shortage of spectrum faced by telecom operators. The industry association has appreciated TRAI’s suggestion of auctioning the spectrum in the 2100 MHz band, along with spectrum in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands. Further, COAI has contended that TRAI’s recommendation of auctioning the entire 15 MHz of spectrum that will be received from the defence forces has provided encouragement to the industry.

COAI, however, has raised concerns over TRAI recommending three year period to meet rollout obligations for the 3G network.  It is of the view that a three-year period may be strenuous for the operators as network roll-outs involve various aspects including developing the requisite infrastructure, which may pose a challenge in such a short period. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is yet to finalise the Test Schedule Test Procedure, which prescribes the process and method for measurements and tests to be carried out to ensure the required roll-out of the 3G network.