GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS 

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1294
ANSWERED ON MARCH 08, 2013 

QUESTION
Revision of Reserve Price for Auction of Spectrum 

1294. SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR: 

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state: 

(a)   whether Government proposes to revise the reserve price for auction of spectrum under 800 MHz band (CDMA); 

(b)   if so, by when Government plans to finalise the reserve price; and 

(c)    the steps Government has taken or proposes to take to boost investors confidence and prevent another unsuccessful auction like in November, 2012? 

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI MILIND DEORA)

(a) to (c) Auction of 800 MHz band was scheduled in November, 2012. Reserve Price for spectrum in 800 MHz was indicated in the Notice Inviting Applications issued on 28 September, 2012 for auction of spectrum in 1800 MHz and 800 MHz bands. There was no participation for auction of spectrum in 800 MHz band in November, 2012. Subsequently, Government has taken a decision to reduce the Reserve Price by 50% from the reserve price fixed for the auction held in November 2012. Notice Inviting Application (NIA) was issued on 30.01.2013 for auction of 800 MHz in March, 2013. One application has been received for participation in the auction for 800 MHz band and auction is scheduled to commence on 11th March, 2013.