Under the spectrum allocation model followed by DoT, bidder (the telecom operator) bids for securing the right to use spectrum offered by the government. Here, service provider is the Government of India (through DoT) and service recipient is the bidder/ telecom operator. The GST is to be discharged on the supply of spectrum allocation services by the recipient of services (the telecom operator) on reverse charge basis [Notification No. 13/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 28th June, 2017 referred].

2.1 In respect of the said supply of spectrum allocation services, if the telecom operator chooses the option to make payment in installments, the payment has to be made spread over the contract period in installments and payment for each installment is to be made after specified periods, as specified in the Frequency Assignment Letter of DoT, which is in the nature of contract. The same is a 'continuous supply of services' as defined under section 2(33) of the CGST Act, since the supply of services (spectrum usage) is agreed to be provided by the supplier (DoT) to the recipient (telecom operator) continuously for a period which is exceeding three months with periodic payment obligations.

2.2 As per section 13(1) of CGST Act, the liability to pay tax on supply of services shall arise at the time of supply. In case of forward charge supplies, the time of supply of services is governed by section 13(2) of CGST Act, which is the earlier of date of issue of invoice by the supplier or date of provision of service or the date of payment, as the case maybe.

2.3 However, in respect of supply of services, on which tax is paid or liable to be paid on reverse charge basis, as per Section 13(3) of CGST Act, 2017, the time of supply of services shall be the earlier of the following dates, namely:-

(a) the date of payment as entered in the books of account of the recipient or the date on which the payment is debited in his bank account, whichever is earlier; or

(b) the date immediately following sixty days from the date of issue of invoice or any other document, by whatever name called, in lieu thereof by the supplier.

2.3.1 Some of the field formations are considering the Frequency Assignment Letter issued by DoT as akin to any other document, by whatever name called, in lieu of an invoice mentioned in clause (b) of section 13(3) of CGST Act and are demanding interest on instalments paid after 60 days from the date of issue of the same.

2.3.2 It is observed that Frequency Assignment Letter is in the nature of a bid acceptance document intimating the telecom operator that the result of the auction has been accepted by the competent authority and the details of blocks and spectrum allotted to the telecom operator. The Frequency Allotment Letter also mentions the options and the amounts to be paid by the telecom operator in each of the two options.

2.4 Further, as per section 31(5)(a) of CGST Act, in cases of continuous supply of services, where the due date of payment is ascertainable from the contract, the invoice shall be issued on or before such due date of payment. In the instant case, the date of payment to be made by the telecom operator to DoT is clearly ascertainable from the Notice Inviting Applications read with the Frequency Assignment Letter. Accordingly, tax invoice will be required to be issued in respect of the said supply of services, on or before such due date of payment as per the option exercised by the telecom operator.

3. In the light of above, it is clarified that in case where full upfront payment is made by the telecom operator, GST would be payable when the payment of the said upfront amount is made or is due, whichever is earlier, whereas in case where deferred payment is made by the telecom operator in specified installments, GST would be payable as and when the payments are due or made, whichever is earlier.

4. It is also clarified that the similar treatment regarding the time of supply, as is discussed in the above paras, may apply in other cases also where any natural resources are being allocated by the government to the successful bidder/ purchaser for right to use the said natural resource over a period of time, constituting continuous supply of services as per the definition under section 2(33) of the CGST Act, with the option of payments for the said services either through an upfront payment or in deferred periodic installments over the period of time.