The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will seek the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) recommendations on the reserve pricing of the 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands across all service areas for the auctions in February 2015. This comes after the finance ministry had asked DoT to check the feasibility of 4G auctions in 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands and resolve the spectrum swap issue with the defence ministry.

At present, the government has 20 MHz of spectrum across 19 of the 22 circles in the 2300 MHz frequency following the surrendering of 4G spectrum by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL). Also, the government has 20 MHz of 4G spectrum across eight service areas in the 2500 MHz band.

Further, the government has a block of 3G spectrum in 2100 MHz band only in the three circles, where STel had surrendered its spectrum following the cancellation of its licence in 2012.  Also, 5 MHz will be put for auction in 17 circles for 2100 MHz band if the defence ministry vacates the frequency airwaves.

The government has estimated a total bid value of Rs 280.65 billion from the auctions in February 2015.