Delhi HC declines GSM operators’ plea for stay on crossover spectrum allotment

In what can be termed as a relief for Reliance Communications, the Delhi High Court has declined to grant a stay on allotment of cross-over spectrum, reports CNBC-TV18.

It is now imminent that Reliance Communications can expect to be granted GSM spectrum very soon. It could be as early as over the next couple of days, he said.

Sources in the department of telecom indicate that a letter to that effect is likely to be written to Reliance Communications, over the next couple of days, may be on 26 or 27 December. The GSM operators did challenge the TDSAT order of 12 December on allowing start up allocation of spectrum for crossover applicants.

Reliance Communications, a CDMA operator, had applied for GSM spectrum in 14 circles, and received the nod from TDSAT. So, now the GSM operators had come to the High Court hoping to get a stay. That has clearly not happened.

The next hearing is on 3 January and till then, the status quo has to be maintained. This means that the government, if it wishes, can go and allot spectrum. However, the government counsel did assure the High Court, that if any step would be taken by the government, then the High Court would be informed.

That is marginal relief for the GSM operators. So, it is a net-net positive news for Reliance Communications and definitely negative piece of news for all the big GSM operators.