DoT to conduct next round of 2G spectrum auction in February 2015

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is planning to commence the round four of 2G spectrum auctions in February 2015. The auctions will include the sale of spectrum in the 800 MHz, the 900 MHz and the 1800 MHz bands. The bid documents are likely to be issued in December 2014, followed by the auctions in February 2015.

DoT intends to auction about 184 MHz of spectrum in the 900 MHz and 104 MHz of spectrum in the 1800 MHz band. The latter comprises 78 MHz of airwaves which were unsold in the February 2014 auctions. About 29 licences for 18 circles are likely to expire in 2015-16.

Meanwhile, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is also soon expected to commence consultation process for setting the reserve price for spectrum to be auctioned.