The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) ended the second day of spectrum auctions, eliciting cumulative bids worth Rs 650 billion. The telecom operators had made bids worth Rs 600 billion on the first day of the auction. So far, the telecom department has completed a total of 11 rounds, with spectrum in the 900 MHz band witnessing maximum demand from the operators. Circles such as Uttar Pradesh (West), Punjab, Gujarat, Bihar, Rajasthan and Haryana have elicited good response in the band. 

According to reports, the bidding price for spectrum in the 900 MHz band is already 45 per cent higher than the base price set by DoT. In 900 MHz band, the Uttar Pradesh (West) circle saw an increase in bid to about Rs 881.40 million per block (200 kHz), which is more than double the reserve price of Rs 340 million per block. Similarly, the Punjab circle has witnessed a bid price of Rs 61.1 billion per MHz, which is more than double that of the reserve price of Rs 302 million per block. 

However, the bidding for spectrum in the 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands has remained subdued so far. About 12 and 14 circles in the 800 MHz band and 2100 MHz band respectively are yet to see any bids. Delhi and Mumbai circles have also not witnessed any bids for spectrum in the 2100 MHz band.