Spectrum auction announced for May 20 by DoT

The Department of Telecommunications has posted the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) document today, on March 8, inviting bids for spectrum auction set to begin on May 20, 2024.

All the available spectrum in 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz, and 26 GHz bands will be put to auction at a base price of Rs 96,317.65 crore. Spectrum held by certain companies that are undergoing insolvency and which expire in 2024 on completion of the term will also be put to auction.

MSTC Ltd, formerly the Metal Scrap Trade Corporation, will be advising DoT on the auction. A pre-bid auction will take place on March 18, and mock auctions will take place on April 13 and 14. Actual sale will commence on May 20.

Existing licensees will be allowed to use the additional spectrum blocks assigned through this auction to deploy any technology by combining with their existing spectrum holding in the same band after converting their entire administratively assigned spectrum into liberalised spectrum in the same band. However, prior clearance will be required in case telcos are using the spectrum for non-mainstream telecom services.

For complete details on NIA, visit
Notice Inviting Applications For Auction of Spectrum on May 20, 2024, DoT

Also read, A muted spectrum auction ahead
BCS Bureau