Trai seeks views on free spectrum allotment worth Rs 98,520 cr to Railways

Telecom regulator Trai Monday floated consultation paper on Indian Railways' demand for free allocation of 15 megahertz spectrum in premium frequency band, valued at Rs 98,520 crore, to enhance security and passenger amenities.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India in the consultation paper on "allotment of spectrum to Indian Railways for Public Safety and Security Services" said that the Ministry of Railways has requested the DoT to reserve 15 MHz of spectrum in 700 MHz band for installing ultra-high speed 4G based communication network along railway routes.

According to the consultation paper, the DoT has viewed that Indian Railways has sought 15 MHz (10 MHz for the time being) in 700 MHz band free of cost for enhancing safety, security and passenger amenities for unlimited period whereas the spectrum has the potential to fetch about Rs 1 Lakh crore as upfront for only 20 years at current Trai recommended reserve price.

Indian Railways (IR) has sought free allocation, as it will