Setting the stage for auction of 2G spectrum, the Department of Telecom on Monday issued an information memorandum containing details on the proposed allocation of spectrum in 1800MHz and 800MHz bands. The process for auction of spectrum will begin from November 12.
According to the memorandum, notices to invite application will be issued on September 28 for two different airwaves band used for mobile telephony and companies interested in auction will have to submit their applications by October 19.
The telecom department will first auction airwaves used for wireless telecom services in 1,800 MHz band that are at present used for 2G GSM mobile telephone services.
It will start auction process of 800MHz band spectrum currently used for CDMA-based mobile services two days after completion of bidding for 1,800 MHz band.
DoT will auction minimum of eight blocks each of 1.25MHz (10MHz) in all 22 telecom circles. It will add 3 blocks more to meet the requirement of new entrants wherever available in case need for such top-up arises.
A new entrant will have to win minimum of four blocks of spectrum in a service area to start business in India.
The Government has fixed base price of Rs 13,999.96 crore for 5MHz of pan-India spectrum in 1,800MHz band and Rs 13,649.97 crore for 3.75MHz of 800MHz spectrum.