The key discussion points and takeaways from the proceedings of TRAI’s Open House on Indian Wireless Spectrum is as below,
- Subscriber Number Based allocation ir-relevant – There was near consensus on the subscriber base no longer being the right parameter to be eligible for additional spectrum. Alternatives suggested include traffic based criteria or auctions for 2G spectrum. RCom and Tata Telservices did not raise the issue of their eligibility for 6.2Mhz (original allocation of 4.4Mhz), based on their current sub base in various circles.
- Efficient Deployment and Usage – Higher spectrum allocated to each operator rather than smaller chunks made available to a greater number of players reduces the traffic capacity at the industry level. Thus auction method of allocating 2G spectrum would ensure decision making based on commerciality of the business model.
- New entrants demand 900 MHz Spectrum – It is highly unlikely and impossible a task that new operators want the 900MHz spectrum to be equally distributed amongst service providers ensuring level playing field.