HBL – 2G pricing: Telecom panel to present two options to Ministers’ group
THOMAS K THOMAS
NEW DELHI, JUNE 1: The spectrum pricing formula suggested by both TRAI and an internal DoT committee will be presented to the Empowered Group of Minister for a final decision.
While TRAI had proposed Rs 18,000 crore as the reserve price for 5 Mhz spectrum, the DoT panel had proposed a 17 per cent higher fee.
The Telecom Commission will also present two options for deciding the quantity of spectrum to be sold.
A minimum of eight blocks each of 1.25 Mhz may be put up for auction in all service areas after reserving for re-farming.
In addition, a provision may also be inserted to make available another three blocks of 1.25 Mhz to meet the requirement of new entrants.
The second option is to put all spectrum available on the block, which includes 55 Mhz spectrum to be vacated by the Defence, according to the Minutes… Continue reading
HBL – No funds to pay upfront for 2G spectrum: Uninor
OUR BUREAU
Uninor on Thursday said that it will be almost impossible to participate in the upcoming 2G spectrum auction if its not allowed to pay the bid amount staggered over a period of 10 years.
While TRAI had recommended staggered payment, the Government is not in favour of allowing it.
“The challenge arising from upfront payments is not one of unwillingness but inability. Uninor has concluded informal discussions with several Indian banks. No bank is willing to lend such amounts upfront to a new operator to fund the spectrum costs,” Uninor said.
” As a new operator, Uninor also does not have a positive cash flow to fund these costs. Further, upfront payments will create an unequal impact for new operators since in the best case scenario, a new operator will need to pay double the amount upfront to continue operations,” it said.
The company, majority… Continue reading
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