The government has deferred the 3G spectrum auction to January 30, delaying it by 15 days. Telecom Secretary Siddartha Behura, in an internal letter, said, “In view of the large number of requests from the potential bidders, it is only fair that they should be given some time. Accordingly, it is decided that the auction process be shifted by a fortnight. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs decision will be available by then. After the decision, we will have a clear mandate to proceed according to their decision.”
According to the new revised timeline, applications will now be invited from January 9, 2009, and the final date will be January 15. The Department of Telecommunications will announce the ownership details of the 3G applicants on January 16, which was the earlier date for spectrum auction and on January 20 bidder ownership compliance certificate for the 3G auction will be given. It will shortlist pre-qualified bidders for the 3G spectrum auction on January 22 and the mock auction will take place between January 27-28.
The 3G spectrum auction will take place on January 30.