TRAI asks DoT to specify the category of stakeholders for whom an exit policy is required

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has asked the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to specify the categories of license holders for whom an exit policy is required.

Prior to this, DoT had asked TRAI to chalk out an exit policy for licencees who want to surrender their licences along with spectrum, owing to their inability to launch services.

In response, TRAI had said that it will consult various stakeholders. Thereafter, its recommendations will be sent to DoT.

The exit policy will permit new players wishing to exit the sector to surrender their spectrum and licences.

Under current licensing norms, there is no exit route offered to operators who hold a telecom licence.

A pan-India operator has to pay Rs 16.50 billion for a licence, but has no option to surrender it, along with 4.4 MHz start-up spectrum, with no clause to get money back from the government.