Govt will start auction of 800 MHz from March 11

Government will start auction of 800 MHz spectrum from March 11, according to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

It was earlier scheduled to start after completion of GSM 900 and 1800 airwaves auction.

The last date for the applications was 25th February, 2013 and only Sistema Shyam Tele Services (SSTL) submitted application for the auction of 800 MHz spectrum. For 1800 MHz and 900 MHz not a single operator has registered for the auction.

"1800 and 900 MHz bands were to be auctioned simultaneously starting from March 11, 2013 and the 800 MHz band auction was to commence 2 days after the conclusion of the auction of 1800 and 900 MHz spectrum. In the light of these developments, the auction of 800 MHz spectrum will commence on March 11f. Next steps in respect of the 1800 and 900 MHz spectrum will be decided shortly after placing the developments and issues arising there from before the EGoM on auction of spectrum.

A third auction (after the 1st auction in November, 2012 and the second auction due to commence on March 11, 2013) was already announced by the DoT on 20th February, 2013 consequent to the Supreme Court directions dated 15th February, 2013, " said DoT.

This third auction was to cover only the 1800 MHz band to comply with the SC directive to put the entire spectrum surrendered (which was entirely either in the 1800 or 800 MHz bands) by holders of quashed licenses to auction immediately. This would, in any case, have necessitated auction in 20 of the 22 circles wherein the quantum of spectrum put to auction was less than what the Supreme Court (SC) had directed on 15th March after the issue of the NIA for the March, 2013 auction.

In Delhi and Mumbai circles, the quantum of spectrum put to auction in March, 2013 was already in accordance with the latest orders of the SC dated 15th February. This was also the case in respect of spectrum in the 800 MHz band both in the November, 2012 auction and again in the March, 2013 auction.

In the light of these developments, DoT will review the need to include the remaining 2 circles for 1800 MHz bands, namely Delhi and Mumbai in the next round of auctions as also the need for a re-auction in the 3 metro circles of the 900 MHz band. The quantum of spectrum, the reserve price and the timelines for this auction will be decided after necessary directions are obtained from the EGoM and where required, the cabinet, in this regard.

DoT is also in the process of filing an affidavit of compliance in the SC regarding implementation of its orders dated 15th February. Any further directions issued by the Supreme Court in the matter will be incorporated into the plan of action for the next round of auction to be held as soon as possible after the March 11, 2013 auction is completed.

Separately, the DoT will also take action as directed by the Delhi High Court to dispose of the applications for extension of licenses received from licensees whose licenses are due to expire in Nov 2014. This action will be completed before the timeline fixed by the High Court of Delhi, i.e., 7th March, 2013.