DMDMK demands probe by SC Judge on 3G Spectrum contract

Chennai, Oct 7 : Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) founder and actor-politician Vijayakanth today demanded a judicial probe headed by a Supreme Court Judge into the alleged irregularities in the award of 3G Spectrum contract for private telecom service providers.


Talking to newspersons here, he said Minister for IT and Telecommunications A Raja, however, should be dropped from the Cabinet, before ordering the Judicial probe.

''It should be headed by a Supreme Court Judge. The Minister concerned should be dropped only then the entire truth will come to light'', Vijayakanth said.

The DMDK's demand comes in the wake of allegations by a section of the public sector BSNL employees that there were large scale irregularities, running to the tune of Rs 25,000 crores, in the award of contract for 3G Spectrum to private telecom operators.

It may be recalled that the UPA government announced the guidelines for the auction of spectrum to launch the third-generation (3G) mobile phone services in the country in August.

The 3G service will not only allow much faster communications but also a wide range of applications such as high-speed net access, video calls, fast music and video downloads, interactive gaming and global positioning over Internet.

Spectrum in 2.1 GHz band will be allocated for 3G (GSM) telecom services throughout the country and some 60 MHz of spectrum was available for wireless telephony.

For 3G (CDMA) services, three slots will be available as spectrum will be auctioned in 450 MHz, 800 MHz and 1,900 MHz when it becomes available.

As per the guidelines, initially five operators will get 3G license and subject to availability it would go up to ten operators. In Delhi and Mumbai, there will be two to three operators due to shortage of spectrum.

A reserve price of Rs 160 crore had been fixed for Delhi, Mumbai and all 'A' category circles, Rs 80 crores for Kolkata and 'B' category circles and Rs 30 crore for category 'C' circles.

The base price will add up to Rs 2,020 crore for an all-India licence and the government expects to earn more than Rs 30,000 to 40,000 crore from the auction of spectrum for 3G services.

Source: www.newkerala.com