Cabinet approves spectrum auction

New Delhi, February 8

The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved auction for spectrum in 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz and 26 GHz frequency bands. Spectrum will be offered for assignment for validity period of 20 years. A total of 10,523.15 MHz is being offered with a valuation of Rs 96,317.65 crore (at reserve price).

The Cabinet has also set up a committee of secretaries to consider re-farming of existing spectrum usages with a view to increase the spectrum availability to meet the future needs of telecommunication services.

The Cabinet also approved a proposal for spectrum requirements of rail-based urban/regional transit systems like NCRTC in the 700 MHz band for Automatic Train Protection (ATP) systems and operations.