DoT refers BSNL 4G spectrum to TRAI under pressure

The Department of Telecom has sent a communication to the sector regulator TRAI seeking its views on the possibility of giving 4G spectrum to BSNL outside auction under a preferential equity infusion route.

This is being done in view of the Supreme Court earlier judgement that all natural resources be sold through auction only. The regulator will now examine whether government controlled entities could be exception to the rule set by the apex court.

In a communication to TRAI recently, the DoT sought its views if 4G spectrum can be given to BSNL outside auction as the PSUs do not participate in the bidding process, official sources said.