Next set of spectrum auction to start on May 20, DoT notifies

The DoT declared that the spectrum auction is slated to begin on May 20.

The government plans to auction off eight spectrum bands for mobile phone services, starting at a base price of Rs 96,317.65 crore.

Spectrum currently held by companies undergoing insolvency proceedings and frequencies set to expire this year will also be included in the auction, as stated by the government.

The DoT notice states that the government will auction eight spectrum bands for mobile network services. These bands include the entire spectrum available in the 800, 900, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2500, 3300 MHz, and 26 GHz bands, as declared by the Union Cabinet in February.

A simulated auction for the mobile network spectrum is scheduled for May 13 and 14, with the official auction starting on May 20.

Companies interested in participating in the auction must submit their applications by April 22.

According to Hindustan Times, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said, “Total 10,523.8 Mhz spectrum will be auctioned. The reserve price will be determined using suitable indexation.” “Existing telecom service providers can continue use of spectrum by paying auction-determined prices during the interim period to prevent disruption in telecom services,” he added.

Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea are expected to take part in the auction to renew their expiring licenses in the 4G band, specifically in the 1800 MHz and 900 MHz frequencies. Further, it is expected that both Reliance Jio and the Adani Group will also join the upcoming spectrum auction.