Supreme Court fiat to Govt, telecom firms on 2G spectrum issue

"Whatever spectrum were released as a result of the quashing of licences must be put on auction," the bench said, adding that it was only concerned with the 1800 MHz and 800 MHz band and not with 900 MHz.

The apex court noted that one or the other telecom companies were coming up with different interpretations of its order and said, "We will not appreciate that there is always cartelisation in this matter. Some are trying to frustrate the process of auction."

Meanwhile, Sistema Shyam Teleservices Ltd said it will take a decision on February 22, to choose the circles when the process for second round of auction will commence which is scheduled for March 11.

The apex court on January 14 had extended till February 4 the January 18 deadline for existing operators of 2G spectrum to carry out operations. The deadline was further extended till further orders.

The court in the earlier hearing wanted the Centre to spell out the price to be charged from the telecom companies for continuing with their services after cancellation of licences last year.

The apex court had on February 2, last year cancelled 122 licences for the 2G spectrum and had directed the DoT to hold fresh auction for them within four months which has been extended by interim orders from time to time.

During the hearing, the bench had observed that the telecom operators enjoyed the benefit of its order to continue with operations till the fresh auction

... contd.