The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India would come out with a consultation paper on spectrum, dealing with issues like usage and pricing, this week.

"In three-four days we will release a consultation paper on spectrum, which will look into the issues like efficient use of spectrum as well as pricing," Trai Chairman Pradip Baijal said in New Delhi.

He said Trai would interact with the industry on the right way forward with regard to spectrum issues.

"Spectrum will be a scarce resource as the mobile users are growing and other possible uses of spectrum are also emerging," he said.

He said two major developments would take place in the telecom sector this year.

"In 2002, mobiles took over fixed line connections globally. In 2004 the mobiles will take over fixed lines in India and it will be a landmark achievement," he said.

The second development, he said, would be private telephony taking over public telephony.

Elaborating on the issue, Baijal said telecom PSUs have a problem with "monopoly" and it is a natural behaviour on their part to seek continuation of monopoly.

"However, we as the regulator have to see that this does not happen," Baijal said.