The department of telecom is likely to start the auction of 2G and 3G spectrum bands from February 2015.
Proposed timeline for February's auction:
- 17 October ( Finalisation of new auctioneer)
- 1 December (Notice for auction applications )
- 8 December (Pre-bid conference)
- January 12 ( Last date for bid submission)
- January 28 (List of final bidders)
- February (Auction starts)
The government has projected ₹9355 crore as revenue receipts from 2G auctions in its budget estimates from current fiscal and is hopeful of raising a further ₹5000 crore through the sale of 3G airwaves.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is expected to direct the price of 900 and 1800 MHz spectrum by October.
"We will write to Trai (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) as soon as the swap comes through," The Economic Times quoted an official.
"On 800 MHz we will write to the regulator for some more clarity once the Telecom Commission has ratified the findings of the Dot (Department of Telecommunications) committee."
The Department of Telecommunication is scheduled to auction a total of 184 MHz of spectrum in the 900 MHz band presently owned by Idea Cellular and Vodafone, the permits for which are due to expire next November.
The official also explained that in the previous auctions held in February, the government sold three fourths of the total airwaves available in the 1800 MHz band and the remaining one fourth would be put up for auction next year.
There are about 29 licences that would expire across 18 circles in 2015-2016, reported Business Standard.
