I&B ministry invites applications for e-auction of 266 FM Radio channels

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Monday invited applications for e-auction of 266 FM Radio channels in 92 cities in the second batch of Private FM Phase III.

"The second batch consists of 227 channels in 69 new cities besides 39 channels in 23 existing cities," an official release said adding out of 69 new cities taken up for auction in the second batch, 20 cities with 80 channels are having population of 3 to 10 lakh.

There will be 38 cities with 114 channels for population of 1-3 lakh whereas 11 cities in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir and northeastern states with population upto one lakh having 33 channels have also been included.

"The notice comprises the eligibility criteria, application procedures, reserve prices of channels, frequencies available for selection, auction rules, etc. and is aimed at inviting applications from the interested companies for participation in the forthcoming auction," the release said.

It further said applications are required to be submitted latest by 5 p.m. on August 1.

Based on the applications, the government shall pre-qualify Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for participation in the auction, the release said.

--IANS

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