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The proposed auction of telecom spectrum is likely to be delayed by 20 days. In an internal discussion, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has proposed the auction be conducted from February 23, 2015, instead of February 3, the date proposed by an inter-ministerial group set up to arrive at the modalities.
The auction will have 3G spectrum (2,100-MHz) on the block, along with airwaves in the 800-MHz, 900-MHz and 1,800-MHz bands. The government expects to garner Rs 9,355 crore from the auction, while Rs 5,000 crore is expected to be mopped through the sale of 3G spectrum this financial year.
The delay in the auction is because the DoT wanted to auction 3G spectrum along with other bands, while 3G spectrum was to be vacated by the defence ministry.
