Panel to sell up to 13.74 MHz spectrum, indecisive on reserve price
06 Jun 2012
The Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) has decided to auction a minimum 10 MHZ megahertz spectrum, but stopped short of taking a decision on the controversial proposal to redistribute the 900 MHz spectrum. The panel, which met on Tuesday, also did not arrive at a conclusive decision on spectrum pricing and auction.
"Some decisions have been taken, we will let you know by and by," telecom minister Kapil Sibal said after the meeting, which was chaired by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
The EGoM has decided to sell up to 13.75 MHz of spectrum in the 1800 MHz band in the upcoming auctions, which would enable at least two operators to win back their cancelled permits. The government can earn a minimum of Rs49,800 crore if 13.75 MHz spectrum are sold at TRAI recommended prices.
The nine-member EGoM did not take any decision on the reserve price for spectrum to be sold in the auctions, but would stick to the 31 August deadline as mandated early by the Supreme Court.
The EGOM also said that the airwaves allotted in this auction will be technology-neutral, enabling the operators to provide services of their choice, whether 2G, 3G or 4G services.
However, the controversial proposal to refarm or redistribute the 900 MHz spectrum of existing operators was not discussed.
.webp)
.webp)
