New Delhi: Sharp differences are believed to have came forth in the Department of Telecom over TRAI’s plan to alter subsisting subscriber-linked standards for assigning additional spectrum, with Communication Minister A Raja in accordance whilst the Telecom Commission defending it.

According to sources, Telecom Commission, led by telecom secretary, has taken a final view on TRAI’s suggestions concerning spectrum allotment, total number of players in each ring and other matters.

There is unity on the majority of issues particularly on not capping the number of players, but on spectrum allotment, the minister, sources said, may overturn Telecom Commission that has disapproved the telecom regulator’s suggestion.

TRAI had recommended nearly quintuple increase in subscribers base to become eligible for added range.

If the regulator’s proposal is accepted, none of the subsisting mobile operators, be it Bharti Airtel, Vodafone-Essar or others, would be entitled for extra spectrum.

A lobby group of private GSM mobile operators, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has already discarded TRAI’s propositions and called them as wrong and lawfully indefensible.

The Telecom Commission that held a series of meeting in the last two weeks and also contacted cellular operators two times to take final view on TRAI’s propositions, is expected to send out its opinion to the minister in the next two days.