Thaindian News

New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) The telecom watchdog will finalise its recommendations on charging operators a one-time fee for 2G spectrum in two-three weeks, its chief J.S. Sarma said here Friday.

“When we gave our recommendations to the government in May 2010 we had said that we are studying the issue (linking 2G price with 3G price). We have not asked for any extension. We expect to give recommendations in two-three week,” the Telecom Regulatroy Authority of India (Trai) Chairman said.

Most of the GSM operators like Airtel and Vodafone have strongly opposed the regulator’s proposed recommendation while the CDMA lobby supported it saying it will create a level playing field.

Sarma said Trai would release all promised spectrum as committed in 3G spectrum auctioning period by September as also finalize its recommendations about new broadband policy by end of August or else latest by September.

Asked about reports of Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium’s comment that the telecom ministry can change the term and conditions of existing licences and the Trai’s recommendations are not binding on the government, he said: “I have seen it in the media today(Friday). I don’t know what the opinion is about so I don’t want to comment on that.”

“It’s the question of the Act. There are certain provisions in the Act and one goes by those provisions.”

About a proposed amendment in the TRAI Act, Sarma said: “The issue of amendment in the Act is under consideration by the government. They have recently referred to us for our comments.”

“We are considering the matter. We will tell the government what amendment we require. The regulator will continue to be guided by the provisions of Trai Act 1997.”