Network OperatorsDoT prepares schedule for cellular spectrum auctions

DoT prepares schedule for cellular spectrum auctions

The Department of Telecommunications or DoT, has prepared a scheduled for auctioning off cellular spectrum in India which will take place this year and through 2015. It’s estimated that numerous telecom operators will have their licenses expire in the next couple of years which means that existing service providers will show more interest towards the sale.

The DoT will open the spectrum auction to new operators as well, and the licenses will be valid for the next five years. Frequencies part of the sale comprise of the 800MHz, 900MHz, 2100 MHz and 2300MHz bands which basically cover 2G, 3G and 4G services. Base prices for the auction haven’t been disclosed as yet and the DoT will rely on the TRAI for recommendations.

Mobile Tower

According to Business Standard, the 900MHz band will have 184MHz of spectrum in the auction as 29 licenses will be up for renewal in 2015 and 2016. Also, release of 5MHz of spectrum from the defense ministry in the 2100MHz band that’s used mainly for 3G services, is being anticipated. And in the 2500MHz band which is reserved for 4G networks, 40MHz of spectrum will be available in 8 circles, while 20MHz will be up for grabs in the other 14 circles.

Also see: Airtel invites show cause notice from DoT for hiding caller identity in Madhya Pradesh

In other news, the Department of Telecommunications has issued demand notices to a total of 9 operators insisting that they shell out Rs 2451 crores as a one-time spectrum usage charges to ensure continuity of its services. This is basically the outcome of the 122 2G permits which were issued back in 2008 being invalidated.

There’s still no word on when exactly the DoT plans to conduct the auction.

Related Articles

Latest Posts