The much-awaited 2G spectrum auction began today but has received a lukewarm response, say news reports.
No telecom operator reportedly bid for spectrum in key circles such as
Further, it is believed that operators focused on obtaining spectrum in the Uttar Pradesh (East), Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and
News reports suggest that the low level of interest in the auctions was owing to the high base price of Rs 140 billion for pan-India spectrum, which is more than seven times what the operators paid in 2008.
Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India, Idea Cellular, Telenor and Videocon are bidding for GSM spectrum. However, there are no takers for CDMA spectrum, after Tata Teleservices Limited and Videocon said they would not participate.
