New Delhi: Government is understood to have cleared the way for allotment of additional spectrum beyond 6.2 MHz for Bharti Airtel in Karnataka, a move that would lead to distribution of start-up frequency to new telcos.

Certain variations were observed in the number of subscribers as reported by Airtel and according to records of the Department of Telecom, sources said, adding that despite this the operator was found to be eligible for additional spectrum more than 6.2 MHz in Karnataka.

According to sources, Telecom Secretary Siddhartha Behura has recommended allotment of additional spectrum (radio frequency) to Airtel but subject to revised pricing, being examined by the DoT, and also to the court orders.

Communication and IT minister A Raja is likely to consider allotment of fresh spectrum to new telecom players along with additional frequency to Bharti soon, sources said.

Telecom players, who would be getting start up 4.4 MHz spectrum are Datacom, Unitech, Swan Telecom, Loop Telecom and Idea Cellular, while Tata Teleservices would be considered for allotment of GSM spectrum under the dual technology policy.

Raja has already given spectrum to new players in two circles of Tamil Nadu and Orissa. Besides Karnataka, DoT is considering allocation of spectrum in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, sources said.

DoT has sent the file for Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to Raja for his approval, they said.
Source : PTI