NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 23 July released a consultation paper on "Valuation and Reserve Price of Spectrum".

On 10 July 2013 the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) sought the TRAI‘s recommendations on the applicable reserve price for the auction of spectrum in 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands. In this context, TRAI has issued this consultation paper raising specific issues for consideration of stakeholders. The key issues raised in the consultation paper are quantum of spectrum to be auctioned, eligibility for participation, roll-out obligations, methods to be used for valuation and estimation of reserve price of spectrum, review of spectrum usage charges and spectrum trading.

Written comments on the issues raised in the consultation paper are invited from the stakeholders by 14 August 2013 and counter-comments by 21 August 2013 by the regulator. Stakeholders have been requested to send their comments by the due dates as there is an urgency to complete the consultation process. In its reference, the DoT has stated that, in light of the Honourable Supreme Courts‘s directive, TRAI may consider an expedited process; hence there will be no further extension of timelines.

This is also an advance notice that open house discussion on the consultation paper will be held on 26 August 2013 in New Delhi.