The Cellular Operators Association of India has asked the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to reconsider anomalies regarding spectrum in the 800 MHz band, contending that the price discovered for the band in the March 2015 auctions should not be used as market-determined price in circles where less than 5 MHz of airwaves was sold. COAI is of the view that there should be a level playing field for all spectrum bands so that exchequer does not have to bear losses on account of different application of the principle of liberalisation.

The industry association has also asked the telecom department to relook at the spectrum cap rules pertaining to the 800 MHz band, as in some cases - based on current guidelines - the cap is much more liberal than that for spectrum in other bands typically used by GSM operators. The spectrum in the 800 MHz band is currently used by CDMA operators, but can now be used to offer 4G services following the liberalisation of airwaves.