TRAI seeks initial response on 2G spectrum auction by Feb 15
India's telecom sector regulator Friday released a pre-consultation paper on allocation of airwaves in the 2G band across 22 circles by auction.
It asked all stakeholders to give their comments by Feb 15.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) move came a day after the Supreme Court scrapped 122 telecom licenses and sought fresh auction of the 2G spectrum.
The court Thursday had slammed the entire approach adopted earlier by TRAI as lopsided and said the recommendations made by it were flawed in many respects and implementation thereof by the department of telecom resulted in gross violation of the objective of national telecom policy of 1999.
The court then directed TRAI to make fresh recommendations for grant of licences and allocation of 2G band in 22 service areas by auction.
"On the issue of allocation of spectrum in 2G band in 22 service areas by auction, stakeholders have been requested to send their comments on the issues involved. Written comments are invited from the stakeholders by 15th February, 2012," TRAI said in a statement.
"Keeping in view the time bound nature of exercise, no extension of time will be given," it added.
Meanwhile, TRAI Chairman J.S. Sarma told a television channel that "brighter days" were ahead for the sector. Sarma said he was happy that the Supreme Court had stated that spectrum will be auctioned.
He also said that TRAI was considering the idea of spectrum liberalisation.
