The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is likely to receive around 202 Mhz of spectrum in the 1,800 Mhz band due to harmonization of airwaves by early next month, PTI reported.
The India government is likely to sell the entire 200 Mhz spectrum in the 1,800 Mhz band during the spectrum auction in July 2016.
The first phase of spectrum harmonization is about to complete and the released airwaves will be available for sale to telecom operators in India, PTI reported.
Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular, Vodafone, Reliance Jio Infocomm, among others are expected to buy fresh spectrum.
The Union cabinet in January 2015 approved setting up a Defense Band, earmarking spectrum for exclusive use by security forces, while making available the remaining radiowaves for commercial use in areas such as telecom and broadcasting. The spectrum bands need to be harmonized before being made available for commercial use.
The DoT is looking to commence the spectrum auction around mid-July. The government aims to mobilize Rs 5.36 lakh crore through the forthcoming spectrum auction.
Inter-Ministerial panel Telecom Commission has already discussed the recommendations by TRAI for the reserve price and quantum of airwaves to be put for sale.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) submitted recommendations for base price for spectrum in seven bands, including 700 Mhz band. TRAI recommended base price of Rs 11,485 crore per Mhz for the 700 Mhz band.
The India government expects revenue of Rs 98,995 crore from communication services in 2016-17, which includes proceeds from spectrum auction and other fees levied by the DoT.
