According to R. Chandrashekhar, secretary, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), a decision on spectrum re-farming will be taken after the conclusion of the 2G spectrum auction, say news reports.
Following the auction, the government will determine the quantum of spectrum to be retained by the operators at the time of renewal of their existing licences in 2014.
In so far, the government has in-principle approved the concept of spectrum re-farming. As part of the re-farming process, existing operators like Bharti Airtel and Vodafone India will have to surrender the spectrum held by them in the 900 MHz band. Currently, these operators use the 900 MHz band to provide 2G services.
Subsequently, the operators surrendering their existing spectrum will have the option of bidding for the spectrum through the auction, which is scheduled to be held in the first half of 2013.
Currently, DoT is considering a proposal to allow operators to retain either 2.5 MHz or 5 MHz of spectrum in the 900 MHz band.
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