• UGI USER
  • Apr 23, 2024
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SC TO CONSIDER CENTRE’S PLEA FOR SPECTRUM ADMINISTRATIVE ALLOCATION.

Why in the news?

The Supreme Court agrees to discuss administrative spectrum allocation following the Union government’s plea, potentially impacting distribution policies.

source:eduprep

About Supreme Court’s Decision:

  • The Supreme Court has accepted the Union government’s plea to discuss the administrative allotment of certain spectrum classes, rather than using competitive auctions.
  • Attorney General R. Venkataramani presented the request, emphasising the government’s role in selecting operators for distributing airwaves, a crucial but limited resource.
  • The court’s acknowledgment signifies a potential shift in spectrum allocation policies, addressing concerns regarding its distribution methodology.
  • The Union government contends that certain spectrum categories, particularly those serving public interest functions like security and disaster preparedness, may not be best suited for competitive auctions.
  • It seeks clarification on the Supreme Court’s 2012 ruling, which mandated spectrum allocation exclusively through auctions.
What is spectrum allocation?

●   Spectrum allocation involves assigning frequencies of airwaves for communication signals.

●   Government owns these airwaves and auctions them to telecom companies.

●   Spectrum is subdivided into bands with varying frequencies.

●   Sold for a limited period, after which validity expires.

Source: https://m.economictimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/allow-non-auction-spectrum-allocation-in-certain-situations-centres-plea-in-supreme-court/articleshow/106106136.cms