Question : ALLOCATION OF SPECTRUM TO GSM OPERATORS

(a) whether the Government has signed an agreement with GSM operators on the allocation of spectrum on revenue sharing basis;

(b) if so, whether the Government feels that allotment of spectrum through auction would be more transparent and bring in more revenue to the exchequer;

(c) if so, whether legal opinion holds that a changeover from revenue sharing to auction basis would be arbitrary, discriminatory and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)

(a) The Unified Access Services License (UASL) provides that spectrum charges would be payable on Revenue Share basis, as notified separately from time to time.

(b) Taking into account the TRAI recommendations, the Government has decided not to auction the spectrum for 2G services and to continue with the existing guidelines at present.

(c) & (d) Do not arise in view of (a) & (b) above.