IMG proposes to conduct spectrum auction next financial year

The report will be discussed by Telecom Commission in its meeting scheduled for September 8

The inter-ministerial group (IMG), which has proposed various measures to address the financial stress in the telecom sector, has recommended conducting the spectrum auction in next financial year.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has come out with a consultation paper seeking comments from stakeholders on auction of nine spectrum bands, including airwaves that can be used for 5G services.

However, given the financial stress of telcos, the IMG felt it would not be prudent to conduct the auction in this fiscal, a source in Department of Telecommunications (DoT) said.

According to sources, the panel has recommended extending the deferred payment schedule to