GSM and CDMA must be given more spectrum: TRAI

New Delhi, Aug 29 (UNI) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today said that GSM and CDMA operators must be given additional spectrum, beyond 2x4.4 MHz and 2x2.5 MHz respectively, after they achieve the required subscriber base and comply with the roll-out obligation.

In its recommendations, the Regulator said any pressure to get additional spectrum beyond 10 MHz in the existing 2G bands--800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1900 MHz after reaching the specified susbcriber numbers shall have to pay a one-time spectrum charge on a prorata basis for allotment of each MHZ or part of spectrum beyond 10 MHz.

In Mumbai, Delhi and Category A service area, operators have to pay Rs 80 crore for 2X5 MHz, while in Chennai, Kolkata and category B circles, they have to pay Rs 40 crore. The operatos will have to pay Rs 15 crore for category C or smaller cities.

The service provider will have to pay Rs 16 crore as a one-time spectrum acquisition charge for one MHz allotment in Mumbai, Delhi and Category A service areas.

All spectrum, excluding the spectrum the 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands, should be auctioned in future to ensure efficient utilisation of this scarce resource, TRAI said in a statement.

UNI