Dual tech operator, Reliance Communications which was the first to welcome TRAI’s new recommendations on 2G spectrum allocation and pricing has now opposed the same arguing that the new recommendations in fact favour incumbent GSM operators.

The company in a letter to Union Communications Minister, A Raja has said that the new recommendations have widened the gap between GSM and CDMA spectrum allocation.

RCom wants the Minister to raise the spectrum limit for CDMA operators. It has also asked for immediate refarming of spectrum rather than at the time of renewal as suggested in the recommendations. RCom wants the Minister to increase the validity of dual technology licence to 20 years.

With RCom’s opposition to the recommendations, the CDMA lobby appears to be widely divided on the issue which is a rarity as the operators within the same industry association generally speak the same language.

RCom interestingly now has rival GSM body, COAI as among those opposing TRAI’s new recommendations. AUSPI had welcomed TRAI’s new recommendations. Tata Teleservices had complained that the new recommendations do not ensure a level playing field. The new recommendations lead to the company falling further behind in the queue to bag spectrum in some circles.

On the day of announcement by TRAI, RCom had highlighted that the financial outlay due to the new recommendations by TRAI will be significant for the incumbent GSM operators and RCom will have to pay only few crore (Rs.22 crore) for the additional spectrum held in Orissa.

"TRAI recommendations would lead to spectrum efficiency and rural penetration. Government would be able to release additional spectrum," RCom, wireless business CEO, Syed Safawi had said on the day of announcement of recommendations.