The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is reportedly reconsidering the timeframe to conduct spectrum auctions in 2016 given the growing concerns related to call drops. The department believes that operators are not making investments in the infrastructure even after the significant quantum of spectrum was auctioned in early 2015. It is of the view that operators need to adequately invest in networks for better utilisation of their spectrum. Further, it has stated that additional spectrum will be made available only after investments are made.
This follows a recent audit by a DoT committee that noted that lack of investment in infrastructure as well as deployment of more 4G equipment than GSM were causing call drops. Meanwhile, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India also observed, in its consultation paper on call drops, that investments in infrastructure have not kept pace with growth in usage.
