Question : SHARING OF SPECTRUM

(a) whether the Government/TRAI has issued guidelines on sharing of spectrum in all the bands by the operators;

(b) if so, the details thereof including the key features of the guidelines and the benefits likely to accrue to the consumers as a result thereof;

(c) whether the revenue collections through levying of spectrum charges has declined over the years and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

(d) whether the Government proposes to increase its revenue through sale and auction of spectrum; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the manner in which spectrum charges are likely to affect the telecom tariff in the country?

THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & LAW AND JUSTICE (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 366 FOR 4TH AUGUST, 2014 REGARDING “SHARING OF SPECTRUM”

(a) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has provided Recommendations dated 21st July, 2014 on Guidelines on Spectrum Sharing. TRAI has recommended the sharing of access spectrum in the bands of 800 MHz/ 900 MHz/ 1800 MHz /2100 MHz / 2300 MHZ / 2500 MHz provided that both the licensees are having spectrum in the same band.

(b) The details, including the key features of the TRAI recommendations on Guidelines on Spectrum Sharing are given in Annexure-I.

The TRAI in its recommendations on Guidelines on Spectrum Sharing has mentioned, inter-alia, that spectrum sharing results in additional quantity of spectrum with both the licensees to serve higher number of consumers in a service area. Spectrum sharing also provides an opportunity to the licensees to pool their spectrum holdings to enhance spectral efficiency.

(c) There is no decline in the revenue collection through levying of spectrum charges. The collection of revenue from Spectrum Usage Charges and Auction of Spectrum during last 3 years is as under:

 
	(Amount in Crores) Period	2011-12	2012-13	2013-14 Spectrum	Rs 5183.28	Rs. 5689.76	Rs. 6883.67 Usage Charge Auction	Nil	Rs. 1722.24	Rs. 18267.19