The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has relaxed spectrum trading norms by allowing telecom operators to trade radiowaves in a frequency band as per the block size notified in the last auction. The modification in spectrum trading guidelines allows operators to lease spectrum to captive non-public network licence holders that use radiowaves for internal business requirements.
According to the latest guidelines released by DoT, the block sizes of access spectrum to be traded in different spectrum band(s) shall be as per the block size(s) as specified in the notice inviting application (NIA) for the latest auction held. Further, if there is any residual spectrum to be traded, it may be considered on a pro-rata basis.
Earlier, telecom operators were allowed to trade spectrum in block sizes ranging from 1.25 MHz paired spectrum to up to 20 MHz in higher frequency bands of 2,300 and 2,500 MHz. The modification allows operators to trade spectrum in block size of up to 50 MHz depending on the frequency band.
As per the guidelines, if a particular spectrum band is not part of the NIA for the latest auction held, then the block size as per the latest available NIA for that band shall be considered for trading. The other terms and conditions of guidelines for the trading of access spectrum by access service providers dated October 12, 2015, and clarifications issued from time to time in the matter shall remain unchanged.
