At a time when the top representatives of the communications ministry sound ambiguous on whether spectrum trading/sharing would be allowed in the country or not, the regulator is looking out for consultants on the issue.

This is not the first time that the telecom regulator has indicated the need for telecom trading. When in August Trai announced its recommendations on MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators), spectrum trading was indicated. Recently, the minister of state for communications Jyotiraditya Scindia had said that the government may allow telecom companies to share spectrum shortly. However, Union communications minister A Raja pointed out that no such decision had been taken.

Trai wants a consultant for assessing the desirability and timing of allowing spectrum trading in India, modes of spectrum trading suitable in Indian situation, licensing issues etc. The consultant must have experience of having done consultancy on spectrum trading for telecom services in at least two countries.