DoT considering different options for spectrum re-farming

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is looking into various options for re-farming the spectrum, say news reports.

It is examining the option of allowing incumbent operators to retain 5 MHz of spectrum in the 900 MHz band and re-farm the rest.

DoT also has the option of accepting Telecom Regulatory Authority of India?s recommendation of taking back the entire spectrum from incumbent players and auction it in the forthcoming 2G spectrum auction. According to TRAI, this would create a level playing field for all the operators.

DoT is also looking at the possibility of allowing operators to either retain 2.5 MHz or 5 MHz of spectrum while surrendering the rest.

DoT has floated a paper on re-farming of spectrum, listing out  options for Telecom Commission?s consideration.