Network OperatorsTRAI to finalize spectrum, data pricing recommendations by January-end

TRAI to finalize spectrum, data pricing recommendations by January-end

TRAI has announced it will finalize its recommendations on spectrum and differential pricing for data services by the end of the month. The regulator had issued out consultation papers for both the topics and is in the process of analyzing the response to each.

The tentative date was declared by TRAI Chairman RS Sharma during the Convergence India 2016 event. To recall, he had earlier told PTI that the body’s views on spectrum rates would be out by mid-January after an open house discussion on January 4. The report on the matter was open to public comments till December 21 and counter comments till December 28.

Spectrum Sharing

The document was concerned with the base cost of all eligible airwaves for the next round of auction. The government predicts it will get a revenue of Rs 42865 crore from the spectrum sale and license fee. An official source claims the administration will be able to fulfill its budget target even if the vending does not take place.

However, factions of the government want the auction to be held by March in order to keep the fiscal deficit under control. This might not come to pass, though, since the entire process only starts after TRAI submits its views on the tariff. Now that the announcement for this has been postponed till the end of the month, the procedure may be delayed to the next financial year.

Also See: TRAI to hold open house debate on differential data pricing on January 21

As for the matter of differential pricing of data, TRAI is planning to host an open house discussion on the matter on January 21. It’s inviting all relevant stakeholders to participate in the debate which will take place in New Delhi. Opinion on the issue is divided, with the telecom industry strongly supporting such a system while net neutrality activists are against it being implemented.

Related Articles

Latest Posts