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

(a)        whether Government have formulated a new policy with regard to the issuing of new licenses to telecom operators and for the sale of Spectrum;

(b)        if so, the details thereof; and

(c)        if not, by when the same is likely to be formulated?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI A. RAJA)

(a) to (c) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE RAJYA SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 16 FOR 15TH NOVEMBER, 2007 REGARDING “NEW LICENCING POLICY FOR TELECOM OPERATORS”.

(a) to (c) The Government has decided to grant new Unified Access Services (UAS) Licenses as per the existing policy. Selling / auction of 2 G spectrum is not envisaged under telecom access services licenses.