'It's Necessary Info, But Spectrum Data Is Not Made Available To TRAI'
TRAI chairman says the the regulator has nothing to do with the decision that led to an alleged loss of Rs 60,000 crore
The spectrum scam has pitted Union telecom minister A. Raja against the sector's regulator, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Both have diametrically opposite views on the government's decision to issue telecom licences on a first-come-first-served basis in November 2007, which has led to an alleged loss of Rs 60,000 crore to the exchequer. In an interview with
TRAI chairman
sticks to his stand that the regulator hadn't recommended this route. Excerpts:
Why is there ambiguity over the first-come-first-served policy?
Fine. But why was spectrum not auctioned?
You have said that the licence fee shouldn't be maintained at the 2001 level. But the telecom minister says this view hasn't been recommended by TRAI...
Why was the number of players per circle not restricted?
The minister has told Outlook that, contrary to perception, huge spectrum is available. Is there actually a shortage of spectrum?
The minister also mentioned that there is an undisclosed cartel of players...
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