ManagementDoT wing seeks clarity on 3G licence fees
Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) wing, the highest policymaking wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has sought clarifications from the department on the licence fees that need to be paid by successful bidders of third generation (3G) auction for acquiring a unified access service licence (UASL).
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In an internal note, WPC has sought clarity from DoT on the price to be paid by the 3G bid winners for acquiring UASL vis-à-vis Rs 1,658 crore paid by 2G applicants for the same purpose in 2008.
It has also sought clarity on the priority date for allotment of 2G spectrum that comes bundled with UAS license for 3G bid winners with respect to existing pending 2G applications. “This information would facilitate the WPC wing about admitting applications for 2G spectrum from the prospective 3G bid winners,” the note said, adding the information was not mentioned in the revised information memorandum issued by DoT.
The 3G auction was slated to happen on January 14 next year, which might get delayed by a few weeks as DoT has not yet released notice inviting applications due on December 8.
The successful 3G bid winners need to acquire a UAS licence after the auction process to start their mobile services. At present, there are 343 pending applications for UASL, including that of real estate firm DLF, global telecom player AT&T, Moser Baer and Ispat.