TRAI Debates Govt Action Regarding 2G Spectrum

India's telecom watchdog said the government ignored its suggestion that the second generation (2G) radio waves be auctioned, which would have generated higher revenue.

"We recommended auctioning of 2G licences but DoT (the Department of Telecommunication) did not go by it," said Nripendra Misra, chairman, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

The 2G-spectrum sale has been much-debated, and Communications minister A Raja is believed to have given out the radio frequencies at throwaway prices.

Though the minister claims that 2G spectrum is not auctioned anywhere globally and that the DoT has stuck to the TRAI recommendation of 'first come first serve basis', the TRAI chief seems to have a different view altogether.

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"We have said a mechanism should be evolved for giving licence, which must capture the market price," Misra said.

"Instead of judging who is right or wrong, we should really be considering if there is scope for getting more revenue for the national exchequer," he said.

However, regarding the global financial turmoil, Misra said the Indian telecom sector, "because of its innate strength and resilience", has remained by and large unaffected. (IANS)