DoT and the finance ministry are involved in a fresh stand-off over he date from which operators should pay increased spectrum usage charges.

DoT and the finance ministry are involved in a fresh stand-off over the date from which operators should pay increased spectrum usage charges. While the finance ministry wants the higher spectrum usage charges to apply retrospectively from April 1, 2008, DoT wants them to be applicable only from January 1, 2009.

DoT, in an internal note, has stated that the operators may seek relief from the courts if a higher levy is imposed on them retrospectively. Currently, operators pay 2-6 per cent of their annual gross revenue, depending on the amount of spectrum they hold, as spectrum usage charges to the government. However, as per the new rules, there will be a 1 per cent increase in these charges for up to 6.2 MHz for GSM and 5 MHz for CDMA, and a 2 per cent increase for spectrum beyond these limits.