The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has concluded its mock spectrum auctions. The spectrum auctions in the bands of 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz will now be conducted as scheduled for March 4, 2015.

Based on the reserve price, the government is estimated to earn revenues to the tune of Rs 820 billion from the sale of spectrum across frequency bands. At the reserve price for the 2100 MHz band, the government is estimated to raise revenues of Rs 175.55 billion. Meanwhile, at the reserve price for 2G spectrum in 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands, the government is likely to raise Rs 648.40 billion.

Eight telecom operators have deposited an aggregate of Rs 204.35 billion as earnest money deposit (EMD) for participating in the spectrum auctions. Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL) has submitted the highest EMD of about Rs 45 billion, followed by Bharti Airtel (Rs 43.36 billion), Idea Cellular (Rs 40 billion), Vodafone India (Rs 37 billion), Tata Teleservices (Rs 15 billion), Reliance Communications (Rs 11.75 billion), Telewings Communications (Rs 7.25 billion) and Aircel (Rs 5 billion).