New Delhi, Oct 08: Telecom regulator is believed to have suggested to Group of Ministers on telecom, a ‘transition formula' for Unified Licencing regime envisaging a minimum entry fee and separate graded spectrum charges based on usage. According to sources, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) made a presentation before the Group of Ministers on telecom, last week, suggesting an "access licence" under the proposed regime.
"Trai's basic argument is that when WLL services were introduced, cellular operators sought compensation saying they faced loss of business. The same thing happened with paging industry when cellular operators offered SMS services. These issues will continue till there is a service-specific licence," sources said, adding Trai felt that not moving to Unified regime could create problems in the sector.
Sources said Group of Ministers had in-principle agreed to proceed with work on Unified licencing and the focus was now on working out modalities for transition to the regime including the financial aspects and spectrum fee.
Bureau Report