New Delhi, Mar 14 (Represenative) Moving ahead for the Spectrum Auction in May this year, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has convened a pre-bid conference regarding any query on the Notice Inviting Application (NIA) issued by the Government last week. The Government through the DoT has invited applications for the auction of spectrum in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500MHz, 3300 MHz, and 26 GHz Bands in various Licensed Service areas. “A pre-bid conference on NIA for spectrum auction will be held on March 18 in DoT,” according to a notification. When contacted the DoT official said the purpose of this conference is to answer any query from the prospective bidder. According to the table, the Auction will start on May 20, 2024, NIA stated adding that state-owned e-auctioneer MSTC Limited (referred to as the “Auctioneer”) is advising the Government on this Auction. Administration of the e-auction shall also be the responsibility of MSTC Limited.
The government is expecting to garner Rs 96,317 crore from selling spectrum at base price. No Spectrum Usage Charge (SUC) is payable on the spectrum acquired through this auction and the spectrum will be for 20 years from the date of its allocation. All spectrum unsold in previous auctions and spectrum available due to the closure of some operations will be put to auction.
A single auction process will be carried out for assigning Spectrum blocks in various bands viz. 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz, and 26 GHz Bands. Successful Bidders shall deposit the Successful Bid Amount i.e., full amount or part upfront payment amount or first installment in case of deferred payment option within ten (10) calendar days from the issuance of Demand Notice by DoT, failing which the EMD shall stand forfeited. Companies, both existing telecom operators or new entrants, seeking to buy spectrum in this round of auction can send in their application by April 22 this year. The mock auction will be conducted on two days May 13 and May 14.