Giving a breather to the new telecom companies, the Telecom Commission, on Thursday, said that at least 10 Mhz of spectrum should be sold through auction but deferred the decision on pricing of airwaves to the next meeting on Saturday.
Telecom regulator TRAI had recommended that only 5 Mhz spectrum should be auctioned and additional spectrum should be made available only if spectrum is left after reserving it for future need of refarming and minimum four bidders want to buy the additional spectrum.
“The Commission has deliberated part of the recommendations (TRAI) and will meet on Saturday again to conclude its view on all recommendations. Pricing-related matters will be again taken up in the next meeting,” Telecom Secretary R. Chandrashekhar told reporters here. The auction will take place in 8 blocks of 1.25 Mhz each.
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Out of this, new telecom companies will be required to buy minimum 4 blocks (5 Mhz) and the existing companies can buy up to two blocks (2.5 Mhz). In a scenario where new player is unable to get 4 blocks, the government will provide additional spectrum in blocks of 1.25 Mhz each.