The wireless planning and coordination (WPG) wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has prepared a roadmap for conducting spectrum auctions in various frequency bands. DoT has, therefore, sought recommendations from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on valuation and pricing of spectrum in all the circles where it would conduct auctions.

According to WPG, about 184 MHz of spectrum in the 900 MHz will be available for sale as 29 licences will be due for renewal in 18 circles in 2015-16. Moreover, 104 MHz of spectrum in the 1800 MHz can be sold in the upcoming auctions. This includes 26 MHz of spectrum for which licences are due for renewal and 78 MHz of spectrum that was unsold in February 2014 auctions.

Further, in the 2500 MHz band, the government has 40 MHz of spectrum in eight circles and 20 MHz in the remaining 14 telecom circles. The government also has 20 MHz of spectrum in the 2300 MHz band available for the auction. Both the frequency bands are globally used for offering 4G services. However, there is no clarity on the availability of spectrum in the 700 MHz band.

Meanwhile, DoT is also looking at possibilities of swapping 15 MHz of spectrum in the 1900 MHz band with the 2100 MHz band, which is held by the defence forces. The DoT had earlier suggested that 15 MHz of spectrum in the 1900 MHz band identified for EV-DO services be swapped with a similar amount of spectrum in the 2100 MHz band. The government would also need to discuss the matter with Sistema Shyam TeleServices, which currently offers only CDMA services, and has been requesting government to release additional spectrum for service expansion.