TC seeks clarifications from Trai on spectrum price

Telecom Commission,the Department of Telecoms highest decision making body,today sought clarifications on sectoral regulator Trais suggestions of a sharp cut in base price for spectrum auction. The inter-ministerial body will take the final decision on October 29 taking into account Trais reply.

TC also asked Trai to recommend reserve price for the 800 MHz band,used by CDMA operators. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Trai had recommended last month that there be no auctions for this band.

Trai has recommended about 37 per cent cut in base price for 1800 MHz band,compared to the reserve price in the auction held last November. For 900 Mhz,it called for a reduction of around 60 per cent. Trai had justified reduction in spectrum reserve prices using various methodologies. By and large,we have gone through all recommendations. On some we have sought clarification and further views of Trai, Telecom Secretary MF Farooqui said.