With the aim of reducing the amount to be paid upfront by operators for spectrum, the Telecom Commission is considering reducing the spectrum eligibility period from 20 to 10 years.
The Telecom Commission is of the view that this proposal will enable operators to raise the funds required to pay for this resource.
Meanwhile, the Telecom Commission has asked the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to calculate the reserve price if the spectrum is given for a 10-year period.
The Telecom Commission will present this proposal to the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) headed by Pranab Mukherje, Minister of Finance.
It is believed that if the proposal is accepted, operators will have to shell out less cash for spectrum in the upcoming auctions. Also, the reserve price is expected to reduce significantly.
