Spectrum Auction: Govt raises Rs 1.07 lakh crore so far

NEW DELHI: The government has raised Rs 1.07 lakh crore from the spectrum auction, which today entered its 17th day as telcos continue their bid for spectrum in 2100 MHz, 1800 MHz, 900 MHz and 800 MHz bands.

So far, five rounds of bidding were completed. Till now, 97 rounds of bidding have taken place, an official statement said.

As the spectrum auction continued for quite long, the government may not get all of the upfront Rs 25,000 crore revenue from the sale it was expecting this fiscal.

At the end of 16 days of auction, the amount of bids stood at Rs 1.07 lakh crore with provisional allocation of 88 per cent airwaves, the statement added.

Post-auctions, the telcos have to pay the bid amount within 10 days of close of sale.

Telecom operators are required to pay an upfront payment of 33 per cent in case of 2100 MHz, 1800 Mhz bands and 25 per cent for 900 MHz and 800 MHz bands within 10 calendar days of the close of auction, media reports said.