The Department of Telecom has postponed the next spectrum auction to February 3 from January 23 amid pending issues, including spectrum usage charges, and a demand from operators seeking more time.
The DoT also deferred the issue of clarifications to queries raised by potential bidders at the pre-bid conference held on December 20, which had been scheduled for Saturday.
"The clarifications to the Notice Inviting Applications will now be issued on January 2. Industry has demanded more time to prepare for the auction. The auction will start from February 3," a DoT official said.
There are issues related to spectrum usage charges, along with other matters that have been raised by potential bidders, another DoT official said.
The Telecom Commission, an inter-ministerial panel, is scheduled to meet on December 31 to discuss the matter of spectrum usage charges (SUC). Industry has demanded lowering of SUC as recommended by the TRAI, while a section of players have opposed it.
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