(a) whether the Government has finalised the auction criteria for the Third Generation (3-G) Mobile spectrum;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the time by which auction process is likely to commence;
(d) the reaction of the Ministry of Defence in vacating more of its spectrum for this
purpose;
(e) whether the Government has decided to increase the basic reserve price from the
previously proposed price for the auction of 3-G mobile spectrum; and
(f) if so, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI
GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) No, Sir.
(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.
(c), (e) & (f) Several issues including amount of spectrum to be auctioned, fixing of reserve
price, annual spectrum charges etc. for 3G spectrum and its allocation, are under
consideration of the Government. As such time frame for auction process to commence can not
be specified.
(d) A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between Ministry of Defence &
Ministry of Communications & IT. As per the MOU, Ministry of Defence will release spectrum
for 2G and 3G services in steps from the date of signing of MOU till the completion of an
exclusive, dedicated OFC network for Armed Forces.