4G Spectrum Auction to Begin on March 1; DoT Invites Applications

Following a mock auction on February 26, the telecom department will start the 4G spectrum auction from March 1, 2021. Department of Telecom (DoT). The auction will happen after a gap of four years, and will offer 2,251.25 megahertz worth Rs.3.92 trillion, stated a notice issued by the DoT.

Spectrum will be offered in seven frequency bands – 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, and 2500 MHz. However, the 5G airwave bands, 3300 MHz to 3600 MHz have been kept aside.

The notice issued by DoT said: “A single auction process will be carried out for assigning spectrum blocks in various bands, however, it may be noted that the government reserves the right to use any other means to assign the spectrum as it may deem fit without assigning any reason whatsoever.”

“A single auction process will be carried out for assigning spectrum blocks in various bands, viz. 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands... On behalf of the President of India, applications are invited from prospective bidders who meet the eligibility criteria for participating in the auction. Based on the applications, the government shall prequalify applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for participation in the auction,” the DoT notice said.

DoT has fixed January 12 for the pre-bid conference and January 28 as the last date for seeking clarifications on its notice. Interested bidders can seek clarifications on the notice inviting applications till January 15. Applicants have to submit their applications by February 5 and can withdraw their applications by February 22.

Ownership details of the bidders will be published on February 12 while the bidder ownership compliance certificates will be issued on February 15. DoT will prequalify the bidders on February 19 while the list of final bidders will be published on February 24.
The successful bidders will have to pay the bid amount within 10 days of the issue of demand note.
MSTC has been selected to handle the auction.