TDSAT has opposed DoT’s decision to allot additional spectrum to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), while at the same time, disallowing such allocation to private operators as well.

TDSAT has opposed DoT’s decision to allot additional spectrum to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), while at the same time, disallowing such allocation to private operators as well. The tribunal has, instead, linked allocation to the subscriber base. The issue goes back to January 2008 when DoT had issued a new norm linking additional spectrum allocation to the subscriber base. However, the department allotted additional spectrum to BSNL and MTNL based on norms issued in 2006. The tribunal has now stated that in the era of competition, the government cannot give preferred treatment to state-owned operators and has asked DoT to take corrective action immediately.