Spectrum Sale

Adani Group under DoT scanner on delayed 5G rollout, may surrender spectrum

Adani Data Networks acquired 400 MHz in the 26 GHz band for Rs 212 crore during the July 2022 spectrum auctions, but has yet to announce any timeline for its 5G service launch

Trai recommends additional 5 Mhz spectrum to Railways in 700 Mhz band

Telecom regulator Trai on Friday recommended the allotment of the only chunk of 5 megahertz spectrum left in premium 700 Mhz band frequency range to Indian Railways for passenger safety applications. The price of per megahertz (Mhz) spectrum in 700 Mhz band frequency was priced at Rs 3,927 crore for commercial use. "In addition to the already assigned 5 MHz (paired) frequency spectrum in the 700 MHz frequency band, an additional 5 MHz (paired) frequency spectrum in the 700 MHz frequency band should be assigned to Indian Railways for its safety and security applications along the railway tracks for captive use," Trai said in its recommendation on "Assignment of Additional Spectrum to Indian Railways for its Safety and Security Applications". The DoT has already allocated 5 Mhz of spectrum in the 700 Mhz band to Indian Railways in 2021. Telecom signals transmitted in 700 Mhz band can cover an area in the range of 6-10 km. The vast coverage provided in these frequency bands reduces th

Cabinet waives bank guarantee for spectrum purchased in past auctions

The Union Cabinet has waived the requirement to submit bank guarantees for spectrum purchased through auctions held before 2022, according to sources. The move brings huge relief to debt-ridden Vodafone Idea as it already crossed the timeline to submit Rs 24,746.9 crore bank guarantee for spectrum payment coming up between October 2025 and September 2026. The decision will also provide relief to Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio who have bought radiowaves through various auctions that were held before 2022. "Cabinet has waived the requirement of bank guarantees as per the relief sought by telcos," a source said. As part of telecom reforms announced in September 2021, the government has already waived the requirement of depositing bank guarantees for spectrum purchased through auctions. Vodafone Idea CEO Akshaya Moondra in the company's earning call had said the bank guarantees will impact the company's ability to seek debt facilities from the banks which the firm requires for investm

Musk VS Ambani: Centre rejects Ambani's satellite spectrum auction proposal

Trai seeks views on spectrum allocation process, satcom services pricing

Telecom regulator Trai on Friday started a consultation process to explore methodology and price for assigning spectrum to satellite companies to provide calling, messaging, broadband and other services in the country. The decision on spectrum price and allocation methodology will pave the way for satellite-based broadband services from companies like Elon Musk-owned SpaceX, Bharti Group-backed OneWeb, and Jio Satellite Communications across India. While the government, under the Telecommunications Act 2023, has decided to allocate spectrum for most of the satellite services without auction through the administrative process, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), in the consultation process, has invited views on alternate ways of assigning radio waves to the satellite companies. "Whether there are any other suggestions related to the assignment of spectrum for NGSO-based Fixed Satellite Services for providing data communication and Internet services...GSO/ NGSO based ..

SC's ruling on spectrum allocation won't affect satellite regulations

The SC has refused to accept the plea seeking clarifications on administrative allocation of spectrum

Spectrum auctions, high payments to help hit Rs 1.2 trn telco revenue goal

Non tax revenue from the telecom sector rose by 44 percent in FY24

Spectrum allocation and OTT services: Draft Telecom Bill makes key changes

Spectrum for satellite broadband services is not in the Bill's list and it would likely be auctioned

5G auction nears Rs 1.50 trn mark on Day 5; bidding to resume on Sunday

The reserve price fixed for spectrum is a "fair number" and the same is visible from the auction outcome, said telecom minister Vaishnaw

Govt focused on enabling policies to strengthen digital infra: DoT official

The government is focused on policies in areas like licencing framework, spectrum management and broadband to strengthen digital infrastructure, a senior DoT official said on Tuesday.

Jio, Vodafone Idea make upfront payments for spectrum, says report

The government sold airwaves worth Rs 77,814 crore in 4G spectrum auction that ended on March 2.

Vodafone Idea plans to raise $750 million via convertible debentures

Promoters to dilute stake post conversion

DoT asks telcos to come with queries on proposed auction by Jan 15

Telecom operators will need to submit their application by February 5 for participation in the auction

Letter to BS: Telecom sector needs sensibility from the regulator

It is hoped that the government and the regulator will come together and take the requisite steps to propel the sector on the growth and profitability path

Spectrum sale: BSNL, MTNL's inclusion may lead to 'conflict of interest'

The government is planning to hold next round of spectrum auction in April-May this year. The auction will also include radiowaves for 5G services

AGR not part of Budget 2020: Spectrum auction at base price could fill in

Clearly the government is pinning its hope very highly on the mega success of the spectrum auction

SC rejects govt plea challenging tribunal refunding Rs 104 crore to RCom

TDSAT had asked government to return Rs 104 crore to now-bankrupt company after encashing bank guarantee of Rs 908 crore against spectrum charges of Rs 774 crore.

Airtel submit bids for RCom spectrum; Reliance Jio seeks deadline extension

Airtel has placed a conditional bid to buy RCom's spectrum, and Bharti Infratel has submitted bids for the Anil Ambani company's mobile towers

Jio, Vodafone Idea, Airtel pay govt over Rs 4500 crore in spectrum dues

Reliance Jio has paid Rs 1,133 crore to the Department of Telecom, Vodafone Idea paid Rs 2,421 crore and Bharti Airtel paid Rs 977 crore

Spectrum allocated to Jio, MTS as per rules: Official on CAG allegations

CAG) in its report tabled in Parliament last week said microwave access (MWA) spectrum was allocated to a telecom operator in 2015 on first-come-first-served