The Ministry of Finance has issued the Economic Survey of India for the year 2014-15, highlighting the key estimates for the telecom industry. As per the Economic Survey, deployment of optical fibre cable has been completed under the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) project in 5,000 villages across the country. The survey further states that the project is likely to be completed by December 31, 2016.

Meanwhile, the survey indicates that the government will be able to raise at least Rs 175.55 billion for the 2100 MHz band. Further, the auction of spectrum in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands will likely raise revenues of Rs 648.40 billion.  Therefore, if all spectrum gets sold at reserve price, the government will garner non-tax revenue of Rs 823.95 billion from the telecom sector through this auction.

The survey has also stated that a roadmap for providing more spectrum will be chalked out, as per the National Telecom Policy 2012, keeping in view the objective of affordable and reliable communication services to serve public interest.