Union telecom minister Kapil Sibal on Saturday indicated that the government was planning to release more spectrum to telecom companies.
Responding to a query on whether the government would allocate more spectrum, Mr Sibal said, “This is something we are looking at. India is one of those countries which has the lowest quantum of spectrum. We are looking at releasing more spectrum soon.”
Meanwhile, Mr Sibal said that his ministry will soon send notices to the erring telecom companies that were issued licences along with spectrum even when they were not eligible.
“We have already taken a decision on this. We will be sending notices to these companies soon,” Mr Sibal said at a press conference here, adding that those found guilty would be penalised.
However, the quantum and nature of penalty would be considered by the Department of Telecom.
Among the companies which have received the licences are the likes of S-Tel, Uninor, Loop and Videocon.
Earlier this month, Mr Sibal had said in New Delhi that the memorandums of association and equity conditions were not fulfilled during the issue of licences. He added that the ministry believed that some of the eligibility requirements for the same were not in place when these companies sought licences.
The notices will be served on these grounds.