Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said he has asked the Group of Ministers, tasked with the vacationing of spectrum, to expeditiously conclude its deliberation and suggest a roadmap regarding availability and timing of spectrum to telecom service providers.

''I am aware that spectrum availability can be a constraint for the growth of this (telecom) sector in future. On the supply side, our government has taken steps for vacation of spectrum by existing users. This is an advance stage and the requirement of making spectrum available for commercial uses is being addressed,'' Dr Singh said after inaugurating the India Telecom, 2007.

The prime minister asserted that the policy regime for making spectrum available should be fair, transparent, equitable and forward looking.

Dr Singh said the government policy should not create hurdles in the way of entry of the newcomers to the sector or its continued growth. He said one must realise that the spectrum which is precious and a limited resource should be used optimally. ''All technological options must be explored to maximise the utilisation of the spectrum,'' he said.

The prime minister said the revenue potential in making spectrum available must not be lost sight of by the government. He said governments across the globe have harnessed substantial revenue while allocating spectrum.

In the final analysis, the key issues are correct pricing, fair allocation rules, and pro-competitive stance, he added.

The key issues in the spectrum regime are correct pricing, fair allocation and pro-competitive stance, he added.

With inputs from UNI & PTI