Question : Allotment of 4G Spectrum

(a) whether it is true that the Government is considering to allot 4G spectrum to BSNL and MTNL;

(b) whether it is also true that BSNL has already submitted a detailed project report to the Government seeking 4G spectrum allocation, if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether it is also true that survival of both BSNL and MTNL without 4G spectrum is tough;

(d) whether it is also true that the Government is working on a strategy to settle issues that have emerged due to some decisions of the apex court; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS &
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a) to (c) Proposals for allotment of spectrum for providing 4G services by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) with government support have been received in Department of Telecommunications (DoT). BSNL has already started 4G services in a few Licensed Service Areas (LSAs). However, keeping in view of the data driven telecom scenario where around 85% of the data usage is through 4G services, BSNL and MTNL have submitted proposal to allot spectrum for providing 4G services to remain competitive in the Telecom market.
(d) & (e) DoT decides the issues keeping in view the relevant criteria in this regard, including the decision of the Apex Court.