New Delhi: On a day when the BJP couldn’t secure clear verdict on its own to form the government, the Department of Telecom (DoT) has postponed the auction of spectrum to June 25 from June 6.
However, no reason has been given for postponing the auction schedule.
The Government through the DoT proposed to assign the right to use certain specified radio spectrum frequencies in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500MHz, 3300 MHz, and 26 GHz Bands by means of auction in various Licensed Service areas, according to the Notice Inviting Application (NIA).
The much awaited spectrum auction will now begin on June 25 this year and the government may fetch minimum over Rs 96,300 crore even if spectrum is sold at base price.
According to the revised time table, the Auction will start from June 25, 2024, the DoT said in the amended time-table. All other clauses remain same as per the NIA. 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.
No Spectrum Usage Charge (SUC) is payable on spectrum acquired through this auction and the spectrum will be for a period of 20 years from the date of its allocation.
All spectrum unsold in previous auctions and spectrum available due to 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 instalment 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.
