Department of Telecommunication (DoT) asked TRAI to Audit Spectrum Use

DoT(Department of Telecommunication) in month of June 2013 has asked Trai to carry out regular spectrum utilization audit of all service providers in order to ensure efficient utilization of spectrum.

As per the Dot Report, an unproductive utilization of spectrum should be discouraged and a proper mechanism is put in place to make certain that if spectrum remains unu or underutilized, it is returned to the government as inefficient usage has great impact on opportunity cost.

Earlier as per the report by Trai in 2010 it was recommended that Telecom Enforcement Resource and Monitoring units, which come under Trai, will be alloted with the responsibility of spectrum audit.

While carrying out regular spectrum utilization audit is supposed to give an extension to the telecom regulator's reach, it would provide valuable monitoring and controlling mechanism to Trai at the operational level.

DoT in its recent action has taken the report to Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing, asserting that the details of spectrum allocated to various operators should be made public along with information on quantum, geographical allocation and technology employed by the operator.

Dot has underlined the necessity for a policy that provides incentives for vacating the unutilized spectrum and penalty for hoarding. It is also directed by DoT that the government should agree with comprehensive spectrum reforms that would make public as well as private agencies holding spectrum accountable.