DoT puts spectrum allocation on hold, for now

The department of telecommunications (DoT) has assured the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) that it will not allot spectrum to any player till November 12, the next date of hearing on a petition filed by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) against the new norms.

According to sources, at the beginning of the hearing on Wednesday, TDSAT chairman Arun Kumar observed that spectrum was an important issue and the government should be fair to all parties. He therefore suggested to the solicitor-general appearing for the government that he look into these matters dispassionately and advise the government appropriately.

The COAI counsel pointed out that the DoT had shown undue haste in deciding the new guidelines last week and giving an approval in principle to a CDMA operator. The solicitor-general stated that no spectrum allotment would be made until next date of hearing. The matter was then adjourned to November 12.

Meanwhile, communications and IT minister A Raja said on the sidelines of a function that the government would not allocate any spectrum to existing operators, licence holders and new applicants till a scientific evaluation was done by the Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC). He said the TEC would submit its report by October 30.

On the fate of over 500 applicants waiting for fresh telecom licences, Raja said he would solicit the views of the solicitor-general as to how the process should be handled. Raja had earlier said the DoT had formed a committee and would come out with fresh guidelines to allot licences. Later he said he could not change the rules of the game mid-way.

On the issue of COAI approaching TDSAT against the new telecom policy, Raja said, ?Their views have been heard across the table… It was kept in mind while formulating the new norms. Still, if COAI wants to go to court, it?s their right.? COAI, an association of GSM lobby, had on Tuesday challenged the government?s decision to allow dual technology by a single operator and enhancing subscriber base for allocation of additional spectrum.