Cabinet approves base price for 2G auction

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a reserve price of Rs 3,646 crore for 800 MHz, Rs 3,980 crore for 900 MHz band pan India excluding Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and J&K and Rs 2,191 crore pan India (excluding Maharashtra and West Bengal) in 1800 MHz band.

The spectrum auction, which is slated for next month, is likely to rake in Rs 64,840 crore (excluding 2100 MHz spectrum) of which Rs 16000 cr is expected to be realized in the current financial year.

The quantum of spectrum to be put to auction is 103.75 MHz in 800 MHz band in all service areas, 177.8 MHz   in 17 LSAs in 900 MHz band and 99.2 MHz in 15 LSAs in 1800 MHz band. Thus a total of 380.75 MHz in 800,900 & 1800 MHz is being put to auction.

Payment terms, eligibility criteria and auction objectives shall be as in the previous auction of February  2014.

The Union Cabinet also decided that intent to put 2100 MHz to simultaneous auction may be announced along with auction of other bands. Details of this will be announced later on.