DoT to identify unused spectrum

In a move that would result in the mellowing of the spectrum issue and enabling the new service providers to commence operations, the department of telecommunications has begun identifying the quantity of unused spectrum across 23 circles in the country.

Once earmarked, this would enable the department to allot initial spectrum to companies which were earlier awarded Letters of Intent to commence telecom services.

DoT has asked its licensing and wireless planning and coordination cells to immediately identify unused spectrum in all circles across the country.

The department was of the opinion that there were certain quantity of vacant spectrum, 56 MHz in certain cases, that should be identified and used, sources close to the development said.

Spectrum utilisation in the metros was at the optimum level, however, in B and C circles, there were some quantity lying unutilised.

Moreover, certain other departments of the government are also holding spectrum that is not being utilised. The licencing and WPC cells would identify spectrum and check whether these could be used for mobile communication services.

However, no deadline for identifying the vacant spectrum was given.

The move to identify vacant spectrum follows an industry outcry that GSM spectrum was lying vacant in certain circles and the DoT could start issuing these to eligible applicants.

For example, GSM major Idea Cellular in a letter to DoT on February 18 said that it believed GSM spectrum was already available for initial allocation in the nine service areas for which the company had received LoIs.

The Aditya Birla group company had also stated that spectrum should be allocated to eligible applicants on a first-come-first-served basis (based on the date of application).

According to analysts tracking the sector, the move would result in mellowing of the spectrum issue and is a sign that spectrum allotment is expected to begin soon.

Moreover, it would also enable the telecom ministry to set up a dedicated channel to move its existing communications network.