The Division of Telecommunication (DoT) will now be capable of higher course of requests for spectrum from an extended record of presidency companies, now that the Telecom Invoice has clearly specified the sectoral makes use of for which such allocation is allowed, officers mentioned.
Aside from satellite tv for pc communication, 18 different sectors have been listed within the First Schedule of the Invoice the place administrative allocation can be mandatorily made. In lots of of those areas, there was no clear course of for allocating spectrum, which regularly led to a prolonged software and analysis course of and disputes.
The invoice has additionally specified the federal government could amend the First Schedule with the intention to ‘carry out authorities features’ or ‘serve public curiosity’ or in circumstances the place public sale of spectrum will not be the popular mode of project as a result of technical or financial causes.
Officers mentioned the invoice has supplied a transparent authorized foundation for spectrum allocation, which has until now been allotted or auctioned by the federal government primarily based on interpretation of varied legal guidelines and judgements. It has now been clearly laid out that spectrum can be auctioned, apart from outlined objects within the First Schedule, ending the discretionary method.
“We’d now be capable of clear requests from many customers, and particularly authorities ministries and companies expeditiously,” an official mentioned.
Presently, spectrum has already been allotted by the federal government administratively in 4700 cases. Nonetheless, it has all the time been supplied on an ‘ad-hoc’ foundation.
NFAP evaluation
To ease the method additional, the federal government is anticipated to convey out a revamped Nationwide Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) as nicely, sources mentioned. The NFAP is a central coverage that defines the highway map for future spectrum utilization by all nationwide authorities, together with the telecom and area departments and knowledge and broadcasting and defence ministries.
It gives a broad regulatory framework, figuring out which frequency bands can be found for mobile cell service, Wi-Fi, sound and tv broadcasting, radionavigation for plane and ships, defence and safety communications, catastrophe aid and emergency communications, and satellite tv for pc broadcasting, amongst others. It was final up to date in October 2022, after a niche of 4 years.
The Telecom Invoice has additionally talked about the NFAP. “The Central Authorities, being the proprietor of the spectrum on behalf of the folks, shall assign the spectrum in accordance with this Act, and will notify a Nationwide Frequency Allocation Plan now and again,” it reads.
The DoT had constituted a standing committee for spectrum administration again in June 2023. Amongst different mandates, it’s set to evaluation the NFAP, the Division had knowledgeable Parliament.
In an audit report revealed final 12 months, the Comptroller and Auditor Normal of India (CAG) had really helpful that DoT set up a everlasting arrange comprising all stakeholders for periodical evaluation of the pricing, planning and availability of spectrum, in addition to its allotments and assignments, for environment friendly administration and optimum utilization of airwaves. It had additionally requested the division to place in place a system to get particulars of precise spectrum utilized by authorities consumer departments and companies.
The Standing Advisory Committee on Frequency Allocation throughout the DoT has been current since 1966 to make suggestions on points associated to frequency allocation, deliberations at worldwide boards just like the Worldwide Telecommunications Union (ITU) and Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT), and the formulation of NFAP. Nonetheless, its function has been restricted to giving siting clearances for wi-fi installations, the report had identified.
First Printed: Dec 21 2023 | 7:19 PM IST
