Rajeev Chandrasekhar's official website - Member of Parliament

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Ministry of Communication and Information Technology

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1041
TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.03.2016
Addressing of consumer interest issues by telecom operators

1041. Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar 

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether there has been little progress by telecom companies in addressing consumer interest issues like call drops and expansion of internet connectivity;

(b) if so, whether Government would consider seeking TRAI''s recommendations on the need and timing for new operators, thereby increasing competition and choice for the consumers; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer
THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a) In the recent months, a progress has been made by telecom companies in addressing consumer interest issues like call drops and expansion of internet connectivity.

(b) & (c) The Government has already de-linked the allocation of spectrum resources from the license and the same has been made available to the telecom companies, as eligible, through the auction mechanism from time to time. The auctions for allocation of spectrum in different bands have been conducted in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

The Government is also considering TRAI’s recommendations dated 27th January, 2016 on “Valuation and Reserve Price of Spectrum in the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands”. Subject to fulfilling the eligibility conditions, there is currently no limitation on the entry of new operators as per prevailing Guidelines for grant of Unified License (UL).

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