TRAI issues Consultation Paper

TRAI releases Consultation Paper on “Valuation and Reserve Price of Spectrum: 2100 MHz Band

The Telecom Regulatory Authoriy of India (TRAI) has today released the Consultation Paper on “Valuation and Reserve Price of Spectrum: 2100 MHz Band”

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), through its letter dated 16th October 2014, sought the Authority’s recommendations on the Reserve Price for auction of right to use spectrum in 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands. Subsequently, on 27th November 2014, the DoT requested the TRAI to expedite the process for its recommendations on the reserve price of 2100 MHz band and related issues so that the auction of spectrum in the 800/900/1800 MHz bands scheduled in February 2015.

In this context, the TRAI has issued a Consultation Paper raising specific issues for consideration of stakeholders. The key issues raised in the Consultation Paper relate to the roll-out obligations, spectrum cap, different models/approaches for the valuation of the spectrum and estimation of reserve price of spectrum in the 2100 MHz band. Considering the request of the DoT to expedite the process for its recommendations on the reserve price of 2100 MHz band and related issues, this Consultation Paper is confined to the 2100 MHz band.

The TRAI has invited written comments from the stakeholders on the issues raised in the Consultation Paper by 15th December 2014 and counter comments by 19th December, 2014. As the issue has to be decided urgently, no extension of time will be granted. This is also an advance notice that Open House Discussion will be held on 22nd December, 2014.