The GSM lobby, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has asked the DoT to ensure that PSUs BSNL and MTNL also pay the price of 3G spectrum within 10 days of the end of auctions.

BSNL and MTNL have already been assigned 3G spectrum and are required to match the highest successful bid amount of the 3G spectrum auctions for private players.

“We would like to submit that the word ‘match'' would imply both in terms of the bid amount and the time granted for making the payment. Thus, requirement would have to be on the same terms for BSNL and MTNL as for the other winners that are expected to make payment of the successful bid amount within 10 days of the close of the relevant auction,” said COAI to DoT.

“Any delay in payment on the part of BSNL and MTNL would result in a non-level playing field with the other service providers, and hence, if any extension is granted to BSNL and MTNL, the same should be granted on equal terms to private service providers as well,” added the industry association.