MoD spectrum usage charges work out to Rs 1.31 lakh cr: DoT

The Telecom Ministry has informed the Finance Ministry that the charges for spectrum (other than 2G and 3G bands) used by the Defence amount to whopping Rs 1.31 lakh crore.

PTI | April 21, 2011



The Telecom Ministry has informed the Finance Ministry that the charges for spectrum (other than 2G and 3G bands) used by the Defence amount to whopping Rs 1.31 lakh crore.

According to the Department of Telecom (DoT), the spectrum charges (for 2G and 3G bands) of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) from August 1, 2009 to July 31, 2010 amount to Rs 187.45 crore.

"As regards spectrum charges other than 2G and 3G bands, the spectrum actual in use and pan-India works out to be Rs 14,087.08 crore and Rs 1,17,517.16 crore, respectively," DoT has said in a communication to the Finance Ministry.

However, it was not clear whether DoT has sought the amount from the Defence Ministry or it has just brought this matter to the notice of Finance Ministry.

Telecom Secretary R Chandrasekhar has said in a letter to R Gopalan, Secretary, Department of Economic Affair, that spectrum usage charge for Defence networks in 2G and 3G bands -- between June 1, 2004 and July 31, 2009 -- amounted to Rs 937.236 crore, which was waived off by the Finance Ministry.

A High level Committee on Efficient use of Spectrum, in 2004, had suggested that spectrum charges should be charged from all users.

The New Telecom Policy -1999 envisaged that for optimal and efficient utilisation of spectrum, a fee shall be charged from all users including Government Departments.

DoT wants the Ministry of Defence to vacate additional spectrum for commercial use as soon as possible, which the latter is reluctant to do.

The matter has now been referred to the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM).
 

Comments

 

Other News

Monsoon session of parliament adjourns sine die

The Monsoon Session, 2026 of Parliament which commenced on July 20 was adjourned sine die on Thursday. The session provided 19 sittings spread over a period of 25 days.   During the session 11 Bills were introduced in Lok Sabha and 2 Bills were introduced in Rajya Sabha. 12 B

Consumer Justice at a Crossroads

Over the past four decades, India`s consumer protection landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation. What began with the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 as a simple mechanism to empower ordinary citizens has evolved into a comprehensive framework capable of addressing challenges ranging from mislea

Doctors, experts call for ban on junk food ads, mandate warning labels

More than 30 doctors, medical scientists and public health professionals have urged the government to take decisive action against the aggressive advertising and marketing of junk food, calling for a watershed ban on advertisements for foods high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) and ultra-processed foods (UPF

Asiatic Lion population rises from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025

On World Lion Day 2026, environment, forest and climate change Minister  Bhupender Yadav celebrated India’s remarkable journey in lion conservation and reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to protecting wildlife and biodiversity.   In a post on soc

Railways imposed ₹5.13 crore fine for food quality and hygiene violations

Indian Railways serve about 58 crore meals every year on an average. About only 0.0008% food quality related complaints are received on average. Based on complaints during the last three years, appropriate penal actions have been taken by IRCTC. Such actions include imposition of fines amounting to ₹5.13

STHAVAR: Why every Indian built asset needs a permanent digital identity

India has built digital systems for identity, payments, taxation, documents, logistics and public services. State governments, ministries, infrastructure agencies and urban local bodies have also created portals for land records, building permissions, project monitoring, property taxation and municipal s

Upcoming Conferences



-->

Archives

Current Issue

Opinion

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Linkedin Subscribe Newsletter

Twitter