The India government will be targeting $10.2 billion or Rs 64,840 crore from telecom spectrum auction in February 2015.

The $10.2 billion target does not include 2100 MHz spectrum or 3G band.

Cabinet will take a decision on the 2100 MHz and other bands which can be part of the spectrum auction.

Spectrum auction base price for February

# Rs 3,646 crore per MHZ in 800 MHz pan-India

# Rs 3,980 crore for 900 MHz band pan India (excluding Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and J&K)

# Rs 2,191 crore for 1800 MHz pan India (excluding Maharashtra and West Bengal)

“The estimated revenues from this spectrum auction are Rs 64,840 crore (excluding 2100 MHz spectrum) of which Rs 16,000 crore is expected to be realized in the current financial year,” said a statement from India government.

The Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a revenue target of Rs 45,471 crore from spectrum auction during 2014-15.

In February 2014, the government mobilized Rs 61,162 crore by selling spectrum in 900 MHz and 1,800 MHz frequencies during a 10-day auction.

Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India, Idea Cellular and Reliance Jio Infocomm are expected to pitch for additional spectrum.

The reserve price approved by the Caibent is Rs 3,646 crore pan-India per MHZ in 800 MHz, Rs 3,980 crore for 900 MHz band pan India excluding Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Jammu and Kashmir and  Rs 2,191 crore pan India (excluding Maharashtra and West Bengal) in 1800 MHz band.

The quantum of spectrum to be put to auction is 103.75 MHz in 800 MHz band in all service areas, 177.8 MHz in 17 license service area (LSA) in 900 MHz band and 99.2 MHz in 15 LSAs in 1800 MHz band. The government will be selling 380.75 MHz in 800, 900 and 1800 MHz through the auction.

In December 2015, seven licenses each of Idea Cellular and Reliance Communications, four licenses of Bharti Airtel and six licenses of Vodafone will complete their 20-year term after which they have to be renewed, IANS reported.

Baburajan K
[email protected]