Question : RECOMMENDATIONS BY TRAI ON G SPECTRUM

(a) the details of recommendations made by TRAI on the third generation 3G spectrum;

(b) whether the Government proposes to formulate a comprehensive policy on 3G telephony services;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether Government proposes to auction frequencies to run third generation (3G) telephony services to enhance its revenues in the light of recommendations made by TRAI;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) the steps taken/being taken to protect the interest of final beneficiaries of 3G telephony services;

(g) whether the TRAI has also recommended for setting up of a National Frequency Management Board to sort out spectrum usage and allocation issues; and

(h) if so, the action taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

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


(a) The main recommendations made by TRAI on the 3G spectrum are given in the Annexure.


(b) Yes, Sir.

(c) to (f) A Committee has been constituted to examine the TRAI Recommendations on Allocation and pricing of spectrum for 3G and Broadband Wireless Access Services taking into account various relevant issues.

(g) Yes, Sir.


(h) The committee set up to examine the TRAI Recommendations will also examine setting up of a National Frequency Management Board.

Annexure
The main recommendations made by TRAI on the 3G spectrum:

Spectrum identified for 3G should be treated as a stand alone allocation and not as an extension of earlier spectrum allocation of 2G;

The DOT (Government) should realise a spectrum acquisition fee from telecom service providers;

Following spectrum has been identified for 3G services:

2 x 25 MHz in 2.1 GHz band (5 blocks of 2 x 5 MHz);

2 x 2.5 MHz in 800 MHz band (2 blocks of 2 x 1.25 MHz); and

2 x 5 MHz in 450 MHz band (Single block of 2 x 5 MHz);

Rural roll out obligations have been recommended as part of overall roll out obligations in a time bound manner;


Base price for acquisition of spectrum for 3G has been recommended as Rs 80 Crore for Delhi, Mumbai and category `A` circles/areas; Rs. 40 Crore for Chennai, Kolkata and category `B` circles/areas; and Rs. 15 Crore for category `C` circles/areas;


Stiff penalty for hoarding (of spectrum) and non-compliance of roll out obligation;


The Organisations of Spectrum management needs to be strengthened.