Date:17/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/05/17/stories/2007051700810400.htm

Back Rajeev Chandrasekhar favours new players in 3G

Our Bureau

MR RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR

New Delhi May 16 Mr Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Rajya Sabha MP, has written to the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, backing the Government's intention to go for a global auction for giving third generation (3G) mobile licences.

The letter from Mr Chandrasekhar comes in the wake of concerns raised by Tata Teleservices and GSM operators against allowing new players from taking part in the auction.

"Spectrum is clearly a valuable resource of the Government. There is clearly no justification in allotting spectrum in any way but a transparent auction," he said in the letter.

"A case is now sought to be made that the bidders must be restricted through some arbitrary criterion. This is quite ridiculous. This argument must be rejected."

Earlier, the Tatas and the Cellular Operators Association of India had separately written to the Government claiming first right to the 3G spectrum.

They had said that when he existing operators are facing severe spectrum crunch, the Government should not invite new players into the sector.