DoT to start auction of CDMA spectrum from 11 March

The auction of CDMA spectrum was earlier scheduled to start after the completion of GSM airwaves auction

First Published: Tue, Feb 26 2013. 06 31 PM IST

The last date for receipt of applications for the auctions was 25 February. Photo: Mint

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Updated: Tue, Feb 26 2013. 07 04 PM IST

New Delhi: In the absence of the bidders for the GSM (global system for mobile communications) spectrum, the government will start the auction of CDMA (code division multiple access) spectrum on 11 March, which was earlier scheduled to start after the completion of GSM airwaves auction.

The department of telecommunications (DoT) said in a statement that the auction of spectrum in the 1800 and 900 MHz bands (used for GSM services), and in the 800 MHz band (used for CDMA services) was scheduled to begin on 11 March and the last date for receipt of applications was 25 February.

“At the time of close on the last date for receipt of applications...one applicant, namely, SSTL (Sistema Shyam Teleservices) registered for the auction of 800 MHz spectrum and no applicants registered for the auction of 1800 and 900 MHz spectrum,” the DoT said.

The department will now start the process for the third round of auction for at least 20 out of 22 service area to comply with the 15 February Supreme Court order that asked it to auction the entire spectrum freed by cancellation of 122 2G licences.

The government has announced the auction of 10 MHz each in Karnataka and Rajasthan, though 22 MHz and 17.6 MHz of spectrum were freed in these circles, respectively, due to cancellation of licences. The spectrum put up for auction in Delhi and Mumbai areas were in compliance with the SC order.

“In the light of these developments, DoT will review the need to include the remaining two circles for 1800 MHz bands, namely Delhi and Mumbai, in the next round of auctions...,” the statement said.

DoT will now place the issue before an empowered group of ministers (eGoM) who will decide on the auction of spectrum in the 1800 and 900 MHz bands through a third round.

“The quantum of spectrum, the reserve price and the timelines for this auction will be decided after necessary directions are obtained from the eGoM and, where required, the cabinet, in this regard,” DoT said.

The department is also in the process of filing an affidavit of compliance in the SC regarding implementation of its 15 February order.

Nilu Kumari

PGDM 2nd