The government has decided to auction four telecom circles in the 1800 MHz band, which had not received bidders in November last year. The Empowered Group of Ministers, EGoM, on telecom has also decided to lower the reserve price by 30 per cent fixed in November.

Briefing the media after the meeting in New Delhi today, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said it has also decided to conduct auction for the 900 MHz band for Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, where licences are due for renewal in 2014.

He said that it has also been decided to hold auction for the 800 MHz band in all circles where slow bidders participated. He said the recommendations on fixing the reserve price for this band will be taken to the Cabinet for approval.

He said the quantum of spectrum to be put for auction in the 900 MHz band will be 15 MHz for Delhi and Mumbai and 12.5 MHz in Kolkata.

For 1800 MHz, quantum of spectrum put for auction is 15 MHz for Delhi and Mumbai, 10 MHz for Karnataka and Rajasthan with a topping up provision of 3.75 MHz as in November last year.

Mr. Sibal added that the EGoM has decided to continue with the service of the same aunctioneer for the 900 MHz and the auction will be held in March this year.