Spectrum auction expected in February 2015, govt plans to raise Rs 9,355 crore

Spectrum auction for GSM and CDMA mobile services may be held in February next year from which the government plans to raise at least Rs 9,355 crore.

In Budget Estimates for the current financial year, a projection of Rs 9,355 crore has been made from auction of 800 Mhz (CDMA), 900 Mhz and 1800 Mhz (GSM) spectrum, an official source said.

"If the recommendations from Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) are finalised according to the expected timeline then the auction can be started from February 3, 2015," the source said, adding that the government expects to meet the Budget numbers, at the very least.

The government has set a total revenue target of Rs 45,471 crore from communication services, including proceeds from the three sets of spectrum frequencies and related charges in this financial year. The receipts under the same head were Rs 40,847.06 crore in 2013-14, according to the revised estimates.

According to the proposed plan by Wireless Finance Section of Department of Telecom, the process to select auctioneer - agency that will operate auction process - can be started this month. The details of the auction guidelines are proposed to be issued by December 1.