The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is planning to conduct the upcoming spectrum auctions in two phases – on February 25, 2015 and May 30, 2015.  While spectrum in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz is likely to be auctioned on February 25, 2015; spectrum in 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands is likely to be auctioned on May 30, 2015. The decision comes after the government is hopeful that spectrum in additional frequency bands will be vacated by the Defence forces by then.

DoT is of the view that the two-phased auction takes into account the concerns raised by telecom operators. The two-phased auction will allow those telecom firms that are not able to buy spectrum in the February 2015 auction to have another opportunity to buy spectrum in May 2015. Under the earlier plan, the DoT had proposed to sell spectrum only in the 1800 MHz and 900 MHz bands, in February 2015. However, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) as well as key telecom operators had raised concerns over the inadequate spectrum, stating that without additional bands, auctioning spectrum may lead to negative consequences.

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has now objected to this development on the grounds that selling spectrum in different phases may result in uncertainties. COAI is of the view that the 2100 MHz spectrum band is not a substitute for existing GSM players, and thus DoT’s idea for providing additional opportunity in buying spectrum is flawed.