India Sets 800 & 1800 MHz Spectrum Auction for November

India's Department of Telecommunications will conduct an e-auction of spectrum in 1800MHz and 800MHz bands in November.  A document published by the regulator describes qualification criteria and timelines for companies planning to bid for the spectrum.


Holders of CMTS/ UAS licenses will be treated as ‘Existing Player’.  Companies seeking to enter the market (not an existing licensee) need to get a Unified License (UL), which can only be issued to an Indian company with a maximum foreign equity of 74% as per extant guidelines. Hence, foreign entities desirous to participate in the auction(s) will need to form an Indian company accordingly to obtain a Unified Licence (UL).


For the1800MHz band auction, the spectrum Block Size shall be 1.25MHz (Paired). A minimum of 8 blocks each of 1.25MHz (10MHz) will be put to auction in all service areas. In addition, a provision will be made for spectrum up to 3 blocks each of 1.25MHz (3.75 MHz), wherever available, after reserving spectrum for refarming against allocation in 900 MHz band for the licences expiring during 2014 to 2016 and also taking care of guard band requirements, for topping up the 8 blocks of spectrum put to auction i.e. up to a total of 11 blocks each of 1.25MHz to meet the requirement of new entrants, if such an exigency arises, and to ensure that the entire quantum of spectrum of 10MHz in each service area is allocated in the auction.  The existing operators will be allowed to take maximum two blocks of 1.25MHz each in each service area.

For the 800MHz band auction, the spectrum Block Size shall be 1.25MHz (Paired).  A minimum of 3 blocks each of 1.25MHz (3.75MHz), will be put to auction in all service areas. In addition, a provision will be made for spectrum of one block of 1.25MHz, wherever available, for topping up the 3 blocks of spectrum put to auction, to meet the requirement of new entrants, if such an exigency arises, and to ensure that the entire quantum of spectrum of 3.75MHz in each service area is allocated in the auction.

The existing operators will be allowed to bid for 1 block of 1.25MHz in each service area. New entrants will be required to bid for minimum of 2 blocks each of 1.25MHz in each service area.

Start of the e-auction of 1800MHz Band is slated for 12-November-2012.  The 800 MHz e-auction will start 2 days from the day of close of the e-auction of 1800MHz Band.

http://www.dot.gov.in/2G%20Spectrum%20Auction/Information%20Memorandum.pdf