Defence spectrum hits airwave

In a sure sign that spectrum squabbles are not close to resolution, the Ministry of Defence on Friday said its plans for vacating spectrum will be out later this month.

The expected date for the Ministry to deliver such a plan to the Department of Telecom DoT was earlier January 20. But in Friday8217;s meetings with DoT, the Department of Defence DoD has asked for more time. All the spectrum currently used by private telecom operators since 1995 was once Defence property, but spiralling mobile-phone user additions since two years now has industry in a tight spot.

It is up to DoD to come up with a plan on spectrum release, but any plan will include replacement of expensive and strategic defence equipment as well as hefty payouts for previous unpaid spectrum dues. According to the Parliamentary Standing Committee, the dues could be worth Rs 1,300 crore.