A high-power ministerial panel, on Tuesday, finalised broad modalities for auction of spectrum, including schedule and the quantum of airwaves to be sold, but it was not immediately clear if it decided on the pricing of spectrum.
“Some decisions have been taken. We will let you know,” Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal told reporters after the meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) here.
Sources said the EGoM had firmed up the schedule for the auction as well as the quantum of spectrum to be put up for bidding.
At least eight slots would be offered in the auction, which is likely to begin sometime next month, they said, adding that a minimum of 10 MHz of airwaves would be sold.
The EGoM, headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, deliberated on the reserve price for the auction recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
In all probability, a decision on the reserve price may be announced in the next couple of days, they said.
TRAI, which was expected to make a presentation to the panel on the impact of its suggested pricing of spectrum on mobile phone tariffs, did not make any presentation to the EGoM.
The EGoM, sources said, might meet again sometime later this month to give a final shape to the auction, which was necessitated after the Supreme Court cancelled 122 2G licences, given in 2008 by the then Telecom Minister, A. Raja. — PTI
