The government will complete the spectrum harmonisation process for 3G spectrum by end-December 2015. This will facilitate the provisioning of additional 3G spectrum for commercial use which can allow spectral efficiency. The spectrum bands having this additional 3G spectrum need to be harmonised before it can be made available for commercial use.

Earlier in January 2015, the Cabinet approved setting up a 'Defence Band' that allowed the earmarking of spectrum exclusively for defence use while making the remaining spectrum available for commercial use in telecom and broadcasting. It had also approved Telecom Ministry’s proposal for exchange of 15 MHz spectrum held by it in 1900 MHz band with the same quantum of airwaves held by defence forces in 2100 MHz band.

The government may auction the additional 3G spectrum made available by swapping spectrum with defence forces in 2016. The Department of Telecommunications has already written to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India seeking the reserve price of various bands including the 2100 MHz band. The regulator is likely to provide its recommendations for base price of all bands soon.