3G auctions to end by Dec: DoT secy

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Mumbai, Aug 29 : The 3G electronic-auctions will be completed between October and December this year, said Siddhartha Behura, secretary, the department of telecommunications (DoT) on the sidelines of the Nokia Siemens Networks ‘telecom energy efficiency summit’ in Mumbai.

“October looks quite a tight timeline, but by the end of October, the design process for the auction will be ready. However, the entire process should be completed between October and December,” he said. Behura also added that there would be 66 auctions — 22 each for CDMA, GSM, and PWA as per the circles. “WiMax auctions will be done simultaneously and completed within the same period,” he added.

He also pointed out that the operator is under obligation to rollout the 3G services within a span of five years, else pay a penalty of 2.5% of the AGR as mentioned in the guidelines. “The DoT might even seek a return of the spectrum if the teleco is unable to fall under the criteria,” he added.Speaking on the number portability, the secretary said that it should be operational by next April and then in the rest of the circles in phases.

“The DoT is expected to keep it free but it will entirely depend on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s recommendations,” he said.