Additional spectrum to be released by the Defence Ministry depends upon the fact that an alternate optical fibre cable is provided to them by the DOT. The government will be able to get a lot of funds by auctioning these released spectrum. In the last spectrum auction, the government has got thousands of crore of rupees. Now DOT requires funds for constructing the alternate network for defence. BSNL is entrusted with the work. As per DOT at least Rs. 6,767 crore for the year 2012-13 alone is required. Further funds also will be required. But the finance ministry is allotting very less amount for the programme. As such the DOT has told the government that it will be difficult to complete the network in time.

In fact, the finance ministry wants to put the DOT and BSNL in trouble. If the full fund is allotted, BSNL will be able to complete it in time and get benefit out of it. Lack of funds will delay the project as also release of the spectrum from Defence Ministry.

The Government should immediatley allot the required funds for the project.