(a) the details of preparations by the Government for 5G spectrum auction;
(b) whether the Government expects to earn Rs.80,000 crore from the first round of spectrum auction and if so, the details thereof;
(c) the number of bidding to be held in the spectrum auction and the base price set by the Government for the spectrum which are going to be auctioned; and
(d) whether the Government expects to achieve the target from the said auction and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS, EDUCATION AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE)
(a) Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had sought recommendations from Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on the issues involved in the auction of spectrum. TRAI provided its recommendations on 01.08.2018 and response to DoT’s back-reference on 08.07.2019. TRAI recommendations and response were considered by the Digital Communications Commission (DCC). Based on the decisions of the DCC, issues related to auction of spectrum in 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands were placed before the Union Cabinet. In accordance with the Cabinet approval, Government has conducted auction of spectrum in 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands in March, 2021. Spectrum acquired through auction can be used to provide services using any technology including 5G.
(b) Entire available 2308.80 MHz spectrum with total valuation of Rs. 400396.20 Crore at reserve price was put to auction. In the auction, bids for 855.60 MHz spectrum with a total valuation of Rs. 77,820.82 have been received.
(c) A total of 3 bidders participated in the spectrum auction conducted in March-2021 and there were total 6 rounds of bidding. Spectrum was sold in 74 LSA-Band combinations. A total of 2308.80 MHz spectrum with total valuation of Rs. 400396.20 Crore at reserve price was put to auction.
(d) Bids for 855.60 MHz spectrum with a total valuation of Rs. 77,820.82 have been received and a total of Rs. 21,918.48 Crore as upfront payment has been received in the financial year 2020-21, as per the terms and conditions of the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) issued regarding conduct of spectrum auction.