DoT to issue NIA in 15-20 days: Farooqui

Govt has already decided to auction 403MHz spectrum in 1,800MHz band and about 45MHz in 900 MHz band

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is hopeful of of issuing the notice inviting applications (NIA) within the next 15-20 days for the proposed auction of spectrum which is scheduled in January next year.

“In about 15-20 days time from now,” M F Farooqui, secretary, DoT, said here today, on the sidelines of India telecom organised by the DoT and industry body Ficci.

The government has already decided to auction 403MHz spectrum in 1,800MHz band and about 45MHz in 900 MHz band. The DoT has earlier estimated that the auction would bring more than Rs 11,000 crore to the Government exchequer.

The government’s total revenue target is Rs 40,874.50 crore this fiscal year from spectrum, including auction amount, one-time spectrum charge and annual regular licence fee.

Meanwhile, the DoT is likely to make a fresh reference to the Telecom regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to give its recommendations on the valuation and pricing of 800MHz spectrum. “DoT will write to Trai this week,” Farooqui said.