Spectrum Auction Likely in May-June: Telecom Secretary

Government is likely to conduct next round of spectrum auction around May-June period this year, a top official said on Friday.

"We will put all available spectrum for auction in which ecosystem is available that industry is demanding. The auctions will be held sometime in May-June," Telecom Secretary Rakesh Garg said at FICCI-WBA Vision Forum.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has put out a consultation paper on a reference made by the government to suggest the base or floor price for all available airwaves for mobile services.

The government had pegged revenue from communication services for the current fiscal at Rs. 42,865 crores, which include upfront realisation from spectrum sale and licence fee.

According to an official source, the government will be able to meet the Budget target even without the auction.

Sector regulator Trai is likely to come up with its recommendations on reserve price of spectrum for the upcoming auction by the next week. In case the Department of Telecom (DoT) needs some clarifications, it will be submitted in 3-4 days.

Trai will give recommendations on base price for all the bands mentioned in the consultation paper and has asked DoT to speed up the harmonisation process. The quantum of spectrum put to auction will be more than last year's. Trai will ask DoT to keep the reserve price at such a level which will draw maximum participation.

Spectrum harmonisation is aimed at facilitating additional 3G airwaves for commercial use. The Cabinet in January last year had approved setting up of a 'Defence Band', earmarking spectrum for exclusive use by security forces, while making available the remaining radiowaves for commercial use in telecom and broadcasting.

Written with inputs from PTI