The last TRAI chairman and Sanchar Bhawan didn’t seem to get along well, but clearly there is a thaw already. To begin with, spectrum is back on the TRAI platter.

Relations between the regulator and the state are very clear. Each has its own jurisdiction and both are aware of their roles. In some matters, TRAI can take suo motu action; on others, it is asked by the government to make recommendations. The spectrum issue is among the latter, so there is no struggle with the government over that. In 2003, the government had asked TRAI for recommendations on spectrum management, including pricing issues, which were given. In continuation of that, DoT recently asked TRAI for recommendations on spectrum, relating in particular to 3G, including pricing, which we have given.

But why is there so much brouhaha about spectrum today? If policies are equitable, why are operators squabbling?

There are many issues. To start with, where is the spectrum? If there is spectrum that can be allotted, the issue then is, should there be separate licences for 3G? On this, I think — and this might be the government’s view too — that India is possibly not thinking of a new licence for 3G. The other issue is that CDMA operators can roll out 3G very soon, but GSM operators want to know which band they are to roll out 3G in.

The issues around International Mobile Telecommunication 2000 have to be settled. Then, we have to decide how much spectrum to give away and at what price. Obviously, there is scope for improvement. The Aspen Institute recently noted that subscriber numbers should not be the criteria for allotting spectrum and that there must be certain minimum allocations. We are still evolving rules. Only when the matter is settled can we ask the defence forces to vacate larger bands of the spectrum.

... contd.