3G: Telecom secy lambasts FinMin

New Delhi, August 14 : The communications ministry today lambasted the finance ministry for questioning the procedure for guidelines for 3G Telecom policy, saying the policy announcement was made after due consultations and there was no departure from the Cabinet decision.

“Since the spectrum-pricing formula is auctioned, to which the finance ministry is fully agreed, and the process, in which the finance ministry is fully involved, we have been consistent with the decision of the Cabinet,” department of telecom (DoT) said in a strong rebuttal to the issues raised by the finance ministry.

Responding to a communication from finance secretary D Subbarao yesterday, telecom secretary Siddartha Behura shot off a strongly worded letter today, saying, “It is therefore surprising that the Ministry of Finance has now decided to express its reservations on procedural aspects.”

Asked about the issues raised by the finance ministry, telecom minister A Raja today dismissed any possibility of delay in 3G auction, saying, “As we promised, 3G auction will take place within the scheduled time. There will not be any deviation from the announced guidelines.” Charging that the finance ministry had not been consulted on DoT guidelines on auction and allotment of spectrum for 3G and WiMax telecom services, Subbarao had said, “The issue of guidelines without any consultations with the Ministry of Finance, either within the forum of telecom commission or outside, is inappropriate and contrary to the Cabinet decision.”

WHAT DOT HAS TO SAY

• Department of telecom says that the finance ministry is fully agreed to the spectrum-pricing formula and has been involved in the process

• The policy is consistent with the decision of the Cabinet

• 3G auction will take place within the scheduled time. There will not be any deviation from the announced guidelines

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