With the empowered group of ministers (eGoM) on Tuesday failing to finalise 3G spectrum issues such as the number of slots and payment schedule, doubts have arisen whether the government can complete the auctions within this fiscal and realise the budgeted Rs 35,000 crore.
If the crucial NIA?a legal document detailing the auction rules?were released on Tuesday as originally planned, auctions would have commenced from February 12 for GSM players and two days from the close of that for CDMA and WiMAX. This means the auctions would have been concluded only by February 16. Since a 20-day period is being given to operators to make full payment, the exchequer would have realised the amounts by March 6.
But if the government were to postpone release of the NIA to the end of January, the entire process is unlikely to be completed before March 31. Though DoT officials still exude confidence that the deadline would be met by telescoping the payment schedule and the time between the NIA release and date of auction, bidders would still need time and clarity before they plan to bid.
Meanwhile, with the crucial eGoM meeting on Tuesday remaining inconclusive, there is a likelihood of another meeting on Friday. ?Some of the issues between the defence forces and DoT are yet to be resolved. The chairman (Pranab Mukherjee) took all the views. He will decide. If necessary, further consultations will take place, otherwise he will decide,? telecom minister A Raja said after the meeting.
