APRIL 20248TOP STORIESTRAI COMMENCES CONSULTATIONS FOR AUCTION OF NEW SPECTRUM BANDSThe Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has initiated consultations on various aspects related to the auctioning of new bands of spectrum suitable for both mobility and satellite communication services. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has identified frequency ranges of 37-37.5 GHz for International Mobile Telecommunication (IMT) and 37.5 - 40 GHz as well as 42.5 - 43.5 GHz for both IMT and satellite gateway links, which will be available in the next auction.TRAI is soliciting feedback from stakeholders on several key issues, including the quantum of airwaves to be auctioned, the validity period, and the service areas in which they should be allocated. Additionally, TRAI is seeking input on spectrum pricing, block size, minimum bid quantity, and other auction-related metrics.The regulator has highlighted potential challenges in sharing the 37.5-40 GHz and 42.5-43.5 GHz spectrum frequency ranges between IMT and Satellite Gateway links. TRAI is seeking advice on how to address these challenges and ensure their coexistence effectively.A total of 4,000 MHz of frequency spectrum will be available in each licensed service area within the aforementioned frequency ranges. While the USA has auctioned two frequency bands among these, other countries are still in the process of consulting on the subject.This auction will mark the first time that spectrum in the above 37 GHz bands, also known as the mmWave band, will be available for sale in India. While mid-band spectrum is typically considered ideal for 5G, mmWave spectrum is also suitable for deploying 5G networks. Recently, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel announced their plans to roll out 5G networks using mmWave spectrum (26 GHz) acquired in last year's auction. BYJU'S SEEKING TO RESOLVE ARBITRATION DISPUTE WITH INVESTORSThe dispute between Byju's and a group of investors has taken a new turn with Byju's seeking arbitration as a means to resolve the conflict. Byju's filed an application with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), citing the arbitration clause in its agreement with the investors. The company argued that disputes should ideally be resolved through arbitration, as outlined in the agreement. The investors have been directed to respond to Byju's plea, and the next hearing is scheduled for April 23.In response, the investor group, which includes Peak XV Partners, General Atlantic, Prosus, and Safina, has leveled fresh accusations against Byju's. They alleged that Byju's declared the outcome of an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on March 29 to increase the authorized share capital before the conclusion of postal ballots on April 6. Additionally, they claimed that Byju's violated NCLT orders by allotting shares without first increasing the authorized capital. The investors also alleged that they were denied access to inspect documents, despite an NCLT order permitting them to do so.Byju's has denied these accusations, stating that they are baseless. The company plans to file a response in an affidavit, asserting that there has been no violation of any court orders. The NCLT has directed Byju's to file a response to the main petition filed by the investors.Earlier, the NCLT had deferred a ruling on a plea by Byju's management seeking a reversal of a previous order that required the proceeds of a $200-million rights issue to be placed in an escrow account. The tribunal noted that a third judge will be appointed to decide on the issue at a later date, after a two-judge bench of the tribunal expressed differing opinions on the matter.
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