The empowered group of ministers (EGoM) on telecom on Friday decided to lower the reserve price of 2G spectrum in 1800 MHz band by 30% in four circles - Delhi, Mumbai, Karnataka and Rajasthan - for which there were no bidders in the auctions held last month.

The four circles jointly had a reserve price of about R7,000 crore for 5 MHz of spectrum in the 1800 MHz band.

The panel also decided to  auction spectrum in the 900 Mhz band in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. The reserve price for 900 MHz band would be double that of 1800.

"The auctions will take place in March," said an official of the telecom ministry.

EGoM will now send its proposal to the cabinet for approval.

"The decision for the 800 Mhz band will be taken later," said the official.

Reserve price for last month's sale for 1.25 Mhz in Delhi was Rs. 693.1 crore, Rs. 678.5 for Mumbai, Rs. 330.1 crore for Karnataka and  Rs. 67.1 crore for Rajasthan.