India's Department of Telecom (DoT) is inviting applications for its upcoming auction for 1800 MHz and 900 MHz spectrum. Submissions to participate can be lodged until 4 January and pre-qualification is scheduled for 14 January 2014. DoT will hold a mock auction on 21 to 22 January with the actual auction to begin on 23 January.
DoT is offering blocks of 200 KHz (paired) in the 1800 MHz band with a minimum set at 25 blocks for new entrants and three blocks for existing operators. Spectrum in the 900 MHz band is offered in 1 MHz (paired) blocks with the minimum set at five blocks. The licences will be valid for twenty years and there are no restrictions on the technology to be used. Spectrum usage charges start at 3 percent of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) for holdings of up to 4.4 MHz and range to 8 percent for spectrum holdings of up to 15.2 MHz. Reserve prices differ per area.
