Recently an announcement was made by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which has allowed CDMA players to participate in the auctioning of 3G spectrum.

A senior DOT official pointed out, “If there is adequate representation and if the contention is that an operator would have a monopoly then we will make sure that there is a level playing field and will revise the guidelines.”

He also clarified that CDMA spectrum in 3G will also be reserved for BSNL and MTNL. These two companies have already been issued spectrum in the 1800 band and will pay for the spectrum later or after the auction is completed.

CDMA operators have been instructed by the guidelines of DOT that the price of the 3G spectrum in the 1800 MHz will be determined by the auction. They will be able to use the block available in the 800 band at the price of 1.25 MHz.

The policy also states that CDMA operator with the highest subscriber base will be given the spectrum, in case of availability of only one block. The number of blocks is still being decided.

“The guidelines were made in accordance to the recommendations made by the regulator at a time when there were only two CDMA operators. However the scenario has changed and there are around four operators now,” reported a DOT official.