In a bid to ease telecom congestion, the government on Wednesday allowed companies to share airwaves in the same band so as to reduce call drops – but did not allow leasing of spectrum.
There was, however, no decision on spectrum trading norms, a prerequisite for consolidation in the sector.
Spectrum Usage Charge (SUC) will be levied on the entire spectrum holding in the particular band and all access spectrum, including traded spectrum, will be sharable.
Spectrum sharing will be restricted to sharing by only two licensees subject to the condition that there will be at least two independent networks provided in the same band.
– Telecom Ministry’s Official Statement
Presently, telecom operators are allowed to share passive infrastructure like mobile towers.
With the Cabinet’s approval, telcos will be able to share their unused spectrum thereby enhancing network quality and reducing operational costs.
The prescribed limits for spectrum cap shall be applicable for both licensees individually.
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