The National Telecom Policy (NTP-2012) envisages delinking of spectrum in respect of all future licences and, making spectrum available at a price determined through market related processes.
The Supreme Court of India in its judgment dated 2nd February 2012 in WP(Civil) No. 423 of 2010 quashed the licenses granted to the private respondents on or after 10.1.2008 pursuant to two press releases issued on 10.1.2008 and subsequent allocation of spectrum to the licensees. It further directed that TRAI should make fresh recommendations for grant of licence and allocation of spectrum in 2G band in 22 Service Areas by auction, as was done for allocation of spectrum in 3G band.
As per the directions of the Supreme Court and a consequential reference made by DoT on 3.2.2012 to TRAI, TRAI submitted its recommendations dated 23.4.2012 on ˜Auction of Spectrum™ and further recommendations on 12.5.2012. These Recommendations were considered by the Telecom Commission and the Recommendations of the Telecom Commission were placed before the EGoM and the Cabinet. The auctions were held for 1800 MHz and 800 MHz bands during November 2012. There was no participation in the 800 MHz band during November 2012 auction
Further, in its order dated 15.2.2013, the Supreme Court directed that the entire spectrum released as a result of quashing of the licenses on 02.02.2012 should be auctioned without further delay. Accordingly, it has been decided that a separate auction will be held for the balance of spectrum in 1800 MHz band in compliance with the direction of the Supreme Court in its order dated 15.02.2013.
This information was given by Shri Milind Deora, Minister of State for C&IT in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
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