Inter-ministerial panel starts discussion on spectrum auction

An inter-ministerial committee (IMC) constituted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to supervise spectrum auction has started discussions to chart out roadmap for the process.

The committee has been formed by Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal on the same lines as was done in the case of the 3G spectrum auction in 2008.

The 3G auction committee was headed by then Member (Technology) Chandra Prakash but the new 11-member IMC is being chaired by Member (Finance) of Telecom Commission.

The IMC will have to work for selection of the agency to conduct e-auction of spectrum, according to official sources.

The IMC will have to finalise all the documents related to the spectrum auction that will include guidelines for the auction, information memorandum, notice iniviting applications among others.

"Though the committe has been formed in context of auction for 2G spectrum that are to be released by 122 2G licenses that were quashed by Supreme Court on February 2, it may have to oversee entire spectrum auction process" a DoT source said.

DoT is also working on process to conduct auction of 700 Mhz spectrum band for 4G services and 150 Mhz spectrum to be vacated by Defence.

The committe has representation from Department of Commerce, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Department of Economic Affairs, Planning Commission with DoT.

The last meeting of IMC was held on March 16, however, content of the meeting could not be ascertained.