DoT has also released yet another set of guidelines for the auction of Browdband Wirless Access [BWA] Spectrum. Key points are as follows, [Our comments in Italics]
- Spectrum in 2.5 GHz and 2.3 GHz band allocated for BWA. [ Once again Foreign ISPs would have to tie-up with Indian entities to be eligible. New operators will be in demand. ]
- Eligibility: UASL license of Category A / B ISP license necessary for bidding.
- BWA spectrum Pricing: Reserved at 25% of 3G reserve prices. [Despite opposition from smaller ISPs to de-link BWA pricing with 3G spectrum, DOT has gone ahead making spectrum pricier.]
- Electronic Auction to be conducted. BSNL / MTNL favored again provided they match winning bid.
- License valid for 15 years
- Roll out Obligation: 90% of the metros by end of 5th year from date of spectrum allocation. 25% of rural areas by the end of second year and 50% Rural coverage by the end of 5th year from the date of spectrum allocation for Category A/B/C circles. [ This move appears to connect the digital divide of Rural and Urban India ]
- 1% of gross Revenue as Spectrum charge per year beginning from the second year
Separately, the Mr. Scindia [MoS for Communications and IT] has announced certain fee waivers for increasing Wireline Telephones. We still believe that Wire line is the way to go for Broadband in India as Tata Indicom and Reliance Communications WiMax Broadband have received thumbs down from consumers 😉
Thanks for the information.