BSNL in talks with Airtel for spectrum sharing deal

State-run BSNL is in preliminary discussions with the country's top operator Bharti Airtel for spectrum sharing in four circles and the deal is likely to be finalised by June.

BSNL is looking at sharing spectrum in Rajasthan, UP (West), Bihar and Assam and has formed a committee to look into the feasibility aspect.

"Some preliminary discussions are going on at this stage. BSNL is open to spectrum sharing with all operators but currently the discussions are taking place with Airtel," BSNL Chairman and Managing Director Anupam Shrivastava told PTI.

He added the company has formed a committee to look into the feasibility aspect where it can really join hands together with other operators. The government had last year approved the spectrum sharing norms allowing companies to share airwaves in the same band.

Spectrum sharing would be allowed only where both the licensees are having spectrum in the same band and leasing of spectrum will not be permitted, it said. Also, sharing may be permitted where both entities possess spectrum for which market price has been paid.

Spectrum usage charge (SUC) will be levied on the entire spectrum holding in the particular band and all access spectrum including traded spectrum will be sharable.