Tag Archives: spectrum charges

Spectrum Charges reach Rs. 1.09 lakh crore

19 Thursday Mar 2015

Posted by in BSNL - Better Service to the Nation, Telecom

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By 19-03-2015, the auction for spectrum has reached Rs.1.09 lakh crore.

We demand that the government allot at least Rs. 10,000 crore for the Revival of BSNL from this amount.

DOT should refund Spectrum charges to BSNL for the surrendered spectrum

11 Wednesday Feb 2015

Posted by in BSNL - Better Service to the Nation, BSNL News, Forum

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It was agreed that the DOT will refund the charges of Rs. 6,700 crores to BSNL for the spectrum surrendered by BSNL. Though BSNL was not allowed to participate in the spectrum auction, it was directed to purchase the same in all circles at the highest rate of auction. Since the spectrum allotted was not suitable to latest technology and was more than necessary, BSNL surrendered the same with permission of the DOT and also on the assurance that the charges of Rs. 6,700 crores will be refunded to BSNL, which was in dire need of funds for expansion.

Though the spectrum has been surrendered two years back, the refund of Rs. 6,700 crore is yet to be refunded. The Govt. should honour its assistance and refund the amount at the earliest.

This is one of the important demand of the Forum with regard to the Revival of BSNL. The Government has to act immediately.

EGoM decides for 5% fee as spectrum charges

28 Tuesday Jan 2014

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The Empowered Group of Ministers(EGoM) headed by Finance Minister,which met on 27-01-2014 decided to charge 5% fee as spectrum charges. Earlier it was from 3% to 8% according to the usage. The Broadband Spectrum charges will continue 1%, who have already got the same.
While the Reliance Jio has welcomed the decision, the COAI which includes Reliance, Vodafone etc. has protested against the same depending upon their own interests.
However, it is a fact that the present decision of the government favours the private companies more or less. How it will affect BSNL and MTNL has to be examined.

EGoM will decide on Spectrum Charges on 27th Meeting

25 Saturday Jan 2014

Posted by in Telecom

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On the basis of the recommendations of the TRAI and on its own consideration, the Telecom Commission has recommended three methods of charging spectrum, which the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) are expected to consider and take decision in its meeting to be held on 27th January. The private telecom companies have been pressurising the government to reduce the charges to the lowest %. No doubt, the government will be favourable to them, as in the past.

EGoM accepts Telecom Commission decision on the increased base price for Spectrum auction

22 Friday Nov 2013

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At last decision is taken by the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) headed by Finance Minister P.Chidambaram, on the auction price for the spectrum. The Telecom Commission decision, increasing from the TRAI recommendation has been approved by the EGoM. It was alleged that the TRAI was unduly supporting the telecom companies by reducing the spectrum charges, far below than justified.

BSNL for Better Service (9) – Refund the Spectrum charges

30 Sunday Jun 2013

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In the case of allotment of spectrum, the government discriminated BSNL in more than one way.

  1. The 3G Spectrum was allotted to private companies through auction circle by circle, which helped them to select the circle of their choice and bid. Thus they reduced the charges to be paid to the government. In the case of BSNL, it was not allowed to bid for any circle, but was compelled to pay charges for all the circles at the highest bid in each circle.
  2. Though the private companies like Airtel, Reliance, Vodafone etc. did bid for only few circles each, by an agreement/understanding they started providing 3G services in all the circles, without licence. Thus by paying a small amount for spectrum, they provided services through out the country. BSNL had to pay for all circles.
  3. In the case of BWA spectrum, private companies were allotted better spectrum which was suitable for latest and future technologies like Long Term Evolution(LTE), TDD etc. But in the case of BSNL a lower spectrum was allotted which was not suited to LTE, TDD and other advanced technologies.  This discrimination compelled BSNL to surrender BWA spectrum,  except in four circles. BSNL has paid a whooping Rs. 8,313 crores for BWA spectrum. At least Rs. 7,000 crore is to be paid back to BSNL for the surrendered spectrum. While the government is negotiating with Vodafone for reducing its due tax of Rs.. 14,000 crore to help the MNC,  it has no time to refund the money for the surrendered spectrum to BSNL.

In fact, being a government company, BSNL should be exempted from paying the spectrum charges. BSNL was compelled to pay Rs. 18,500 crores to government together for 3G and BWA Spectrum, thus taking away all the cash reserves of the PSU. This full amount should be refunded to BSNL to help it to continue its expansion and development.