4G spectrum to BSNL and MTNL,no reference has been received from DoT
Recently it has been revealed that the telecom regulator has not received any communication from the government seeking its view on allotment of 4G airwaves to telecom companies Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).
It is pointing towards the contradiction of statements of Department of Telecommunications (DoT) which last month said it has referred the 4G spectrum allotment matter to the regulator, following a decision taken by the Digital Communications Commission (DCC) DoT’s highest decision-making body.
They have not received any reference from the department of telecommunications (DoT) for providing recommendations on the 4G spectrum to BSNL and MTNL.
The cloud darkens
After the contradictory statements really affected the matter of allotment of 4G spectrum to the loss-making state-run telcos, which have a cumulative debt of Rs 35,000 crore and have been seeking approval from the central government to commercially launch 4G services.They are facing the competition with private players like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea.
The telecom department informed that the regulator would recommend on the issue of administrative allocation of the 4G spectrum to the two telcos, quantum, price and appropriate frequency range.
BSNL has sought radio waves in the 2100 MHz spectrum for pan India operation except in the Rajasthan circle. MTNL, which only operates in two metros, has asked for the 1800 MHz spectrum in Delhi and 2100 MHz in Mumbai.
The high-speed data services offering over the 4G network is also a part of the operators’ “revival strategy” in addition to the voluntary retirement scheme (VRS), and asset monetisation.
After Jio launch,BSNL head Anupam Shrivastava had sent multiple letters to DoT to allot the 4G frequencies under the preferential equity infusion route. The telco, as per its board’s proposal, plans to pay half of the total cost of Rs 11,000 crore from the deferred payment option in 16 annual installments.
