The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is likely to submit its views on the price of spectrum to be auctioned early next years by first week of December 2014. This comes after the Department of Telecommunications has sought clarifications from the TRAI regarding pricing and valuation of spectrum in the 800MHz, 900MHz and 1800MHz spectrum bands.
Earlier in October 2014, TRAI had issued its recommendations on the prices and valuation of spectrum in the 1800 MHz and 900 MHz spectrum bands, which will be put up for auction in February 2015 owing to the expiry of licences in 2015-16. Most of the spectrum which is proposed to be put up for auction is being used by Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India, Idea Cellular and Reliance Communications across various parts of the country. The price recommended by TRAI was about 10 per cent higher price for spectrum in 1800 MHz over the final bid price that was received in the February 2014 auction.
The final comments received from TRAI will be placed before the Telecom Commission for a final approval.
