The recent Trai recommendation comes at an intriguing inflexion point in the Indian telecom industry. A phase of growth driven by 2G technologies is winding down and making way for higher generation technologies. Incumbent operators, having weathered one storm in 2008, are preparing for new battles in 3G and 4G where new entities have lined up advantageous positions. The recommendation on spectrum auctions will play a key role in determining the course of things to come.