Taking a leaf out of the 3G spectrum auctions, the department of telecommunications (DoT) is considering setting up an empowered group of ministers (EGoM), which would decide on the critical issues related to the auction of 2G spectrum.
The department could soon be sending a letter in this regard to cabinet secretary Ajit Kumar Seth and principal secretary to the PM, Pulok Chatterji. In the letter, DoT would also be seeking a fix on the amount of spectrum which will be auctioned, number of slots and also the reserve price for each of the circles.
In the 3G spectrum auctions, the range of the reserve price varied across category A, B and C circles, in all totaling R3,500 crore for a pan-India slot.
The decision to constitute a committee comes even as the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is working out recommendations for the auction of 2G spectrum freed by the Supreme Court?s cancellation of 122 licences as well as the 4G spectrum auction which the government wishes to conduct this year.
In a draft letter prepared by the department, it has categorically cited the SC?s judgement dated February 2, saying, ?Keeping in view the decision taken by the central government, Trai will make fresh recommendations on the grant of licence and the allocation of spectrum in 2G band in 22 service areas by auction as was done in the allocation of spectrum in the 3G band?.
Hence, following the methodology of 2009, where an EGoM was constituted, DoT has requested the cabinet secretary to once again constitute an EGoM citing changes in the portfolios of the ministers of the previous EGoM constituted for 3G spectrum auctions.
The EGoM will be also be expected to sort out any divergence of opinion which might arise out of the Trai’s recommendations.