The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has informed the government that about 210 MHz of 2G spectrum can be freed up if the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) accepts its suggestion of cancelling 74 mobile service licences for failure to roll out services.
TRAI has also rejected DoT?s request that it reconsider its recommendation suggesting that the government cancel 69 telecom licences of five operators.
In a written communication to DoT, TRAI has said, “The Authority has obtained legal opinion from two former judges of the Supreme Court, which supports this view.?
TRAI has also said that the spectrum thus freed up can be auctioned, which will generate revenues for the exchequer.
The regulator?s communication further added, “The Authority would like to remind DoT of its recommendations relating to the auction of surplus spectrum, which would be available in certain areas, consequent upon cancellation of licences as recommended.?
TRAI has said that after cancelling the licences, 2.5-15.5 units of spectrum would be freed up in each of the 22 telecom circles.
