DoT to take back unused spectrum soon
The Department of Telecom will soon get powers to take back spectrum from operators who are not using it. Under the proposed Spectrum Act, the DoT will get authority to crack down on service providers squatting on airwaves. At present, operators can keep spectrum as long as they meet roll out obligation stipulated under the licence conditions irrespective of whether they have active subscribers or not. This requires them to simply set up towers and show coverage.
A number of new players, which got spectrum in 2008, have managed to keep the spectrum despite the fact they have not launched services. They have been able to do so because under the current rules they are required to show proof of coverage in terms of geography. But the new Spectrum Act being drafted by the DoT aims to make operators accountable for efficient usage of airwaves. The proposed Act will also lay down rules for spectrum re-farming and relocation from existing users.
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