NEW DELHI: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) allotted 3G spectrum for commercial use on 1 September as promised by it before the auction.
The 3G spectrum has been allotted to AirTel, Aircel, Vodafone, S Tel, Reliance, Idea Cellular and Tata Cellular Services who won the bids through the electronic auction conducted by the DoT spread over a period of 34 days in respect of 3G and 16 days in respect of BWA.
The BWA spectrum has already been assigned to the successful bidders - Aircel, Augere, Tikona, Qualcomm, Infotel and Bharti.
3G and BWA spectrum would enable users to have value added services like video streaming, mobile internet access, higher & faster data downloads. These services are expected to be launched early next year by the service providers.
A DoT official said with the allotment of spectrum, the Department has met all the timelines in strict adherence to the Notice Inviting Applications, from issuing NIA, conducting the auction, and assigning spectrum on due date.
The official said the electronic auction conducted for 3G & BWA spectrum, the first of its kind in the country, had been historic in terms of its success. The auctions took place in a fair and transparent manner satisfying all the stakeholders including the bidders who have won the spectrum for pan-India and different circles. The success of this auction has been unparallel and the Government intends to replicate this model in other sectors involving large stakes.
The Government earned Rs 1062.6226 billion from the auctions. The revenue is more than three times the target of Rs 350 billion fixed by the Finance Ministry in its budget documents and more than five times the reserve price.
