The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is targeting revenues of Rs Rs 150 billion from sale of spectrum in the 800 MHz, the 900 MHz and the 1800 MHz bands in the upcoming auctions. In its budget estimates for 2014-15, the government has projected revenue receipts of Rs 93.55 billion from sale of spectrum in the 800 MHz, the 900 MHz and the 1800 MHz bands in the auctions. Moreover, the government has estimated revenues of Rs 50 billion from auction of spectrum in the 2100 MHz.
The telecom department intends to conduct the spectrum auctions in February 2015. About 184 MHz of spectrum in the 900 MHz band across 18 circles and 104 MHz in the 1800 MHz band will be auctioned.
The final timeline for the auctions will be decided only after the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) gives its final recommendations on the reserve price for spectrum in the 900 MHz and the 1800 MHz bands. The regulator is expected to recommend the reserve price by October 2014. However, for spectrum in the 2100 MHz band, DoT will seek recommendations after the department completes spectrum swapping with the defence forces.
