The auction of 2G and 3G spectrum began today, where 8 companies are bidding to acquire airwaves in four bands. The auction is the biggest ever sale of airwaves which may fetch the government over Rs 82,000 crore. The government is selling 380.75 MHz of 2G spectrum in three bands – the premium 900 MHz band, 1800 MHz and 800 MHz. Also, 5 Mhz in the 2100 Mhz band has been put up for auction. It is mandatory for these companies to bid for spectrum, if they have to continue offering mobile and other telecom services. The Supreme Court had earlier allowed the government to go ahead with the spectrum auction subject to certain riders. Hearing a case against the government's auction conditions, the apex court said the outcome of the telecom spectrum auction will be subject to its final ruling. Supreme court will hear the matter on 26th of this month.