Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & Information Technology

09-March-2012 17:00 IST

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released Consultation paper on “Auction of Spectrum” on 7th March,2012. Written comments on the issues raised in the Consultation paper are invited from the stakeholders by 21st March 2012 and counter-comments by 28th March 2012. Stakeholders have been asked to send their comments by due dates as there will be no further extension of timelines. The comments and counter-comments may be sent, preferably in electronic form.

Earlier, TRAI issued a pre-consultation paper on 03rd February 2012, on the issue of “Allocation of spectrum in 2G band in 22 Service Areas by auction”, in accordance with the judgment of Hon‟ble Supreme Court of India. On the basis of the comments received from the stakeholders on the Pre-consultation paper and considering the international practices, the draft Consultation paper on „Auction of Spectrum‟ has been prepared. The key issues raised in the Consultation paper are quantum of spectrum to be auctioned, liberalization of the spectrum, reframing of spectrum in 800/900 MHz bands, structure of auction, spectrum block size, eligibility criteria for participating in the auction, reserve price, roll out obligations, spectrum usage charges and spectrum trading. The consultation paper has been placed on TRAI website www.trai.gov.in

The Hon‟ble Supreme Court of India in its Judgment dated 2nd February 2012 in the writ petitions no 423/2010 and 10/2010, has directed TRAI to make fresh recommendations for grant of licence and allocation of spectrum in 2G band in 22 Service Areas by auction, as was done for allocation of spectrum in 3G band, keeping in view the decision taken by the Central Government in 2011.

For any clarification/ information, Shri Sudhir Gupta, Pr. Advisor (MS), TRAI, may be contacted at Telephone No. +91-11-23220018 Fax No. +91-11-23212014 or email at [email protected].

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BK/AT

Spectrum auction framework proposed, seeking stakeholder input on design, eligibility, pricing and trading implications. TRAI has initiated a consultation on the spectrum auction mechanism for allocating 2G band spectrum, seeking stakeholder comments on auction design and regulatory conditions. Key issues include quantum of spectrum, band reframing, auction structure and block size, bidder eligibility, reserve price, roll-out obligations, spectrum usage charges and trading rules; the exercise follows a judicial direction and aims to align international practice with domestic regulatory requirements.