The 3G spectrum auctions, scheduled for April 9, 2010, are likely to get further delayed with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) demanding some policy changes to ensure transparency in the bidding process.

The 3G spectrum auctions, scheduled for April 9, 2010, are likely to get further delayed with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) demanding some policy changes to ensure transparency in the bidding process. The CVC believes that the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) 3G policy is biased towards Indian operators and the existing licence holders. According to the current policy, successful bidders who do not have a presence in the country will be required to pay an additional Rs 16.51 billion to obtain a unified access service licence over and above their bid amounts. However, they will not be granted any 2G spectrum by the authorities and will have to acquire the same from the market at a higher price.