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Charge for spectrum use, says Gokak

He was speaking at a seminar on 'Frequency management for 21st century', organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry

T O D A Y

• Budding time • Spectrum management • Synopses expands • Lankan phone tariff up

last week.

Gokak also announced that the Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocation, which co-ordinates frequency allocation and site clearances, would be strengthened through the creation of a SACFA secretariat.

He said he had cleared the proposal but that it would have to be taken up by the new government.

The secretary also announced that guidelines and procedures for SACFA clearances would shortly be issued.

The guidelines would contain as much information as security considerations would permit to be disclosed.

Gokak also said this would further reduce the time taken for SACFA clearances. A site clearance now takes around four months.

A digitised map of the country to assist the Wireless Planning and Co-ordination Wing is also being planned. The WPC's operations would also be computerised shortly with assistance from the Canadian government, Gokak said.

Former wireless advisor A M Joshi, who will also head FICCI's task force on spectrum management, brought up some of the current issues on the subject.

He pointed out that the country badly needs a spectrum management plan with the 1981 National Frequency Plan having been rendered obsolete by new technologies such as wireless in local loop and GSM.

To set out policy guidelines, a committee headed possibly by the scientific advisor to the cabinet has been suggested.

Joshi also called for a commercial fee to be levied on the use of spectrum by government agencies, including the Department of Telecommunications when it is corporatised.

Both Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited already pay for frequencies utilised by them.

Explaining the government's stand on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India order, Gokak said DoT would shortly appeal against it.

He said the regulator could not issue directions to the licensor on carrying out the licensor's obligations to the licensee.

Instead, aggrieved licensees could approach the high court or opt for the arbitration route.

On the issue of seeking recommendations of the regulator on licensing issues, Gokak pointed out that policy formulation is the government's prerogative.

- Compiled from the Indian media

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