One of the best recommendations of TRAI ahead of the 2015 Telecom Spectrum Auction is to take back Spectrum to the tune of 1.2MHz in 900MHz band from BSNL on a PAN India Basis which could be used by other operators for 3G services. In return, BSNL should be given 1.2MHz in 1800MHz frequency band wherein the operator’s holding is less than 3.8MHz (i.e., Gujarat, Rajasthan and West Bengal) All efforts should be made to make available spectrum in contiguous fonn. In its recommendations, the Authority demonstrated how such contiguity can be achieved in 7 LSAs in the 900 MHz band. Nevertheless, the entire available spectrum should be put to auction. The DoT should take a completely fresh look at the implementation of E-GSM band.
Additionally, Unused spectrum in the Defence’ band should not be kept idle. In the LSAs, where spectrum assigned to Defence in the 1800 MHz band is more than 20 MHz, DoT should coordinate with Defence for the vacation of spectrum held by Defence in excess of 20 MHz.
The forthcoming auction should be scheduled after the issues related to supply constraints are resolved. Auctions in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz band conducted simultaneously. The Authority reiterated its recommendation that the frequency rearrangement in the same band, from within the assignments made to the Licensees, should be permitted amongst all licensees irrespective of whether the spectrum is liberalised or not. However, the use of spectrum shall be liberalised only if the entire spectrum holding of a licensee in a particular band is liberalised. The entire 2×60 MHz in the 2100 MHz band should be made available for commercial use.
The suggestions to ensure availability of additional spectrum could send the DoT officials thinking and lot of inter-ministerial meetings on the vacation of Defense Spectrum.