Telecom Department may get nearly 202 Mhz spectrum on airwaves harmonisation

The Department of Telecom (DoT) is likely to get around 202 Mhz spectrum in 1,800 Mhz band due to harmonisation of airwaves by early May, which will be put for auction in July.

According to sources, the first phase of spectrum harmonisation is about to complete and the released airwaves will be put for sale.

The cabinet in January last year had approved setting up a Defence Band, earmarking spectrum for exclusive use by security forces, while making available the remaining radio waves for commercial use in areas like telecom and broadcasting.

The spectrum bands, though, need to be harmonised before being made available for commercial use.

The DoT is looking to commence the spectrum auction around mid-July, which may fetch the government a whopping Rs 5.36 lakh crore.

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.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) had submitted recommendations for base price for spectrum in seven bands, including 700 Mhz band, which will be auctioned for the first time.

Trai had recommended a record high base price of Rs 11,485 crore per Mhz for the 700 Mhz band.

However, the panel has sought some clarifications from Trai regarding the band, and the regulator is likely to reply next week.

The government expects a 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.

Trai has suggested spectrum price for all frequency bands that can be used for mobile services in India.