Govt allows spectrum sharing, 3G left out

After a long wait, telecom operators will finally be able to share spectrum in the same circle, a move that will help them overcome the shortage of airwaves but the facility will not be available for 3G .

"Spectrum sharing will be permitted but in case it will be in the same license service area and will be with the prior permission of the licensor. A simple automatic approval process will be put in place for this purpose," Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said.

This would also help smaller operators with fewer subscribers to earn revenues by way of sharing spectrum lying vacant with them.

Sharing of spectrum would not only ease pressure on operators, but also generate additional revenues for the Government by way of increasing subscribers.

However, 3G services have been kept out of the ambit of spectrum sharing.

The Department of Telecom had termed roaming agreements between operators for the 3G services, which offer high speed access to data services, as "illegal".