The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has reportedly changed its earlier decision to conduct simultaneous auctions for 3G mobile and Wi-Max (broadband wireless) spectrum. According to the draft information memorandum for auction expected to be released shortly, spectrum will now be auctioned in two phases. While the bidding for Wi-Max spectrum will be held on January 26, 2009, 3G spectrum is likely to be put on the block in the second phase starting February 9, 2009. DoT has also decided to impose a revenue share of only 1 per cent on operators winning Wi-Max spectrum. In comparison, for 3G spectrum, they will have to pay 2 per cent additional revenue share if they have more than 8 MHz of 2G spectrum and 1 per cent if it is less than 8 MHz. In addition, Wi-Max players have been allowed to pay spectrum charges after one year of receiving the spectrum while 3G operators will have to start paying retrospectively starting January 2009.
