TRAI releases consultation paper on methodology of applying SUC

Posted by TRAI

TRAI has released a consultation paper on “Methodology of applying spectrum usage charges uner the weighted-average method of SUC assessment, in cases of spectrum sharing”.

DoT through its letter dated 15th January 2020, inter-alia, informed hat the existing guidelines for sharing of access spectrum by access service providers issued by DoT on 24th September 2015 provides that the SUC rate of each of the licenses post sharing increases that it has received representations requesting that the incremental SUC rate of 0.5% post sharing should be applied only to the particular spectrum band which has been allowed to be shared between two licenses, and not on the entire spectrum held by the licenses since sharing is permitted in a particular band. In this background, DoT requested TRAI to furnish its recommendations on (i) whether the incremental 0.5% i SUC rate in cases of sharing of spectrum should be applied only on the specific band in which sharing is taking place; or to the overall weighted average rate of SUC, which has been derived from all bands and (ii) any other recommendations deemed fit for the purpose, under section11(1) of the TRAI Act1997, as amended by TRAI amendment ACT, 2000.

―CT Bureau