The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is likely to put forth its proposal for reserve price of spectrum in 2100 MHz band by January 15, 2015. Presently, the Telecom Commission has decided to send back the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) recommendations on 3G spectrum pricing for reconsideration. DoT will decide on the price after getting the response from TRAI, which is likely to be received in a few days.

Meanwhile, efforts are reportedly being made by DoT for advancing the process of vacating spectrum by the defence forces in the 2100 MHz band so that it can be put simultaneously with other bands for auctions scheduled for February 25, 2015. The Ministry of Defence has agreed in principle to vacate at least 15 MHz of spectrum in the 2100 MHz band. However, the Ministry of Communications and IT had earlier stated that only 5 MHz of 3G spectrum could be sold in February auctions because another 15 MHz was yet to be released by the defence forces. The efforts for making addition spectrum available come with a view to address the issue of scarcity of spectrum.