"We want to know what is the price. Just put it in a sealed envelope what is the amount to be paid (by the existing operators of 2G) after our order of February 2, 2012," a bench comprising justices G S Singhvi and K S Radhakrishnan said while posting the matter for hearing on February 4.
"The existing operators are allowed to continue operations till the next date of hearing," the bench further said.
The apex court had on February 2 last cancelled 122 licences for the 2G spectrum and had directed the DoT to hold fresh auction for them within four months which has been extended by interim orders from time to time.
The bench asked DoT's counsel and senior advocate P P Rao to collect information about the telecom companies which emerged as sucessful bidder in the first round of auction that took place on November 12 to 14 last year and what is going to be the proposed reserve or base price for second round of auction to be held on March 11.
It also wanted to know from the DoT as to how many operators whose licences were cancelled by it on February 2, 2012, participated in the fresh auction and how many of them continued with their operation.
"How many licencees stopped operation and secondly you have to find out what decision you have taken to fix price for future auction," the bench told Rao.
The court also said it has to be made clear whether those existing operators who did not participate in the auction would be allowed to continue or not. (MORE)
