The
much awaited spectrum auction, wherein 8 companies are bidding to
acquire airwaves in four bands, started today. The auction is the
biggest ever sale of 2G and 3G airwaves which may fetch the government
over Rs 82,000 crore.
A
total of 380.75 MHz of spectrum in three bands, the premium 900 MHz
band, 1,800 MHz and 800 MHz, is put on sale besides 5 MHz in the 2,100
MHz band across 17 out of 22 telecom areas in the country. Based on the
reserve price, the government is estimated to garner over Rs 82,000
crore.
Most
of the spectrum put up for auction is presently held by Airtel,
Vodafone, Idea Cellular and Reliance Telecom. Their licences are
expiring in 2015-16. Mobile licences for Idea Cellular’s 9 circles, 6
circles of Airtel and 7 circles each of Vodafone and Reliance Telecom
are coming up for renewal.
Overall,
there are 29 licences in 18 service areas which will expire in 2015-16.
These licences hold 184 MHz spectrum in the 900 MHz band and 34.2 MHz
in 1,800 MHz band. It is mandatory for these companies to bid for
spectrum if they have to continue offering mobile and other telecom
services as their permit is expiring.
The government had raked in Rs 62,162 crore from the last spectrum auction held in February 2014.
Posted by : Gizmeon
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