The empowered Group of Ministers has suggested slashing of CDMA spectrum price by up to 50 per cent for upcoming auction in March. However, the final decision has to be taken by the cabinet.
If approved, this will help in halving spectrum prices to about Rs 4,500 crore, and would help the CDMA to scale up services. The government will also auction spectrum in the 900-MHz band, supposed to be the premium spectrum, in three metros. Airwaves in the 1,800-MHz band will be offered in four circles.
“All auctions will be held in March,” telecommunications minister Kapil Sibal said after the EGoM meeting, adding 800-MHz band (CDMA band) will be offered for bidding in all circles.
The EGoM on spectrum, headed by Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, had also decided that 1800 MHz band spectrum in Kolkata will not be re-auctioned. Earlier reports said that the airwaves in Kolkata circle were once again on the block due to the poor response in November 2012 auction.
