The finance ministry has asked DoT to go ahead with the auction of 3G spectrum even in the circles where radio frequencies are not available. DoT had planned to conduct 3G spectrum auctions in only 13 of the 22 circles in the country in the first phase. At present, 3G frequencies are inadequate in the remaining nine circles as the defence forces are yet to vacate spectrum. The finance ministry has proposed that the successful bidders in these nine circles deposit 25 per cent of their bid amount with the government and pay the rest when they are awarded 3G spectrum.