Existing CDMA operators cannot get GSM license: COAI to HC

NEW DELHI: Existing CDMA operators cannot get the licence to provide GSM services in circles where they are already present, COAI on Friday contended before the Delhi High Court.
    
Appearing before a single-member bench of Justice Gita Mittal, COAI's counsel C S Vaidyanathan contended that none of the four CDMA players including Reliance, Tatas can get a GSM license as there was a prohibition under their existing licence.
    
On the issue that dual technology, he said it could be understood in relation to new entrants, but it does not apply in case of existing players. Such a practice would disturb the level playing field, the COAI counsel said.
    
GSM operators' counsel also questioned the spectrum allocation to Reliance Communications, saying the government entertained RCom's February 6, 2006 letter for GSM licence even though norms for the use of dual technology were not present at that time.
    
Abhishek Singhvi, also appearing for COAI, took a dig at a committee set up by the government to suggestions on spectrum allocation criteria. The panel did not submit its report due to differences among its members. "This is a committee of unfit persons set up unwillingly by the government for unnecessary work," Singhvi said.
    
The court was hearing a petition filed by COAI challenging DoT's decision to allow use of dual technology by a single player and enhanced subscriber-linked criteria for spectrum allocation.
    
COAI also sought quashing of a TDSAT directive that allowed the government to go ahead with allocation of spectrum.
    
The matter will again come up for hearing on Monday.