2G auction’s next round from Mar 11

The process for the next round of auction of spectrum has begun with the DoT issuing its notice inviting application (NIA). HT reports.

The process for the next round of auction of spectrum has begun with the department of telecommunications (DoT) issuing its notice inviting application (NIA). Bidding will begin from March 11 and the companies will have to submit applications by February 22.

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The government is likely to gain Rs. 45,000 crore from auction.

Mock auction will take place on March 8-9 and the auction process for 1,800 MHz and 900 MHz, used by GSM operators, will commence on March 11, according to the NIA. Auction of 800 MHz, used by CDMA operators, will start two days from close of the first auction.

The Centre has removed restrictions on the number of slots a company can bid for. In the last auction in November, it was mandatory for operators to bid for at least 4 blocks of 1.25 MHz each and a maximum of five for GSM. In case of CDMA, it was a minimum of 2.5 MHz.

The government will auction 12 blocks of 1.25 MHz each in Delhi and Mumbai for 1,800 MHz and 900 MHz while 10 blocks in 900 MHz will be put on the auction table for Kolkata.