It146;s ISPs turn to face spectrum crunch

Spectrum payment for ISPs is based on a couple of parameters, including the quantum of spectrum and the number of communication channels. In addition, there is a payment of Rs 1,000 per customer antenna.

So far, this payment was made only when the ISP started using the spectrum and the wireless setup became operational. This meant the ISP first obtained siting clearance for the tower, procured and installed the equipment and the setup became operational. In some cases, the spectrum that was assigned lapsed without the ISP ever using it.

The Internet Service Providers Association of India ISPAI has written a letter to the WPC protesting the move. 8220;The spectrum assigned lapses automatically after 12 months. But ISPs are now being asked to pay even for the spectrum that was assigned to them as far back as 2001,8221; Deepak Maheshwari, former secretary of the ISPAI, said.

8220;Right now, wireless is not being used very extensively for the last mile. But going ahead that will be the way because unbundling of the last mile has not happened,8221; Maheshwari added.