DoT to apprise SC on fresh 2G spectrum auction: Telecom Secy

In an exclusive interview to CNBC-TV18, Telecom Secretary R Chandrasekhar said the Department of Telecom (DoT) would be filing an application before the Supreme Court mentioning the schedule that has been drawn up for the new round of 2G auctions. Early last month, the Supreme Court had cancelled all 2G licenses allotted on or after 10 January , 2008. Additional spectrum given to incumbents on or after January 10, 2008 were also cancelled.

The Telecom industry has been in a state of turmoil and uncertainty after the court’s decision. The government it seems has finally woken up to the need to quell investor worries regarding their future in the sector.

The Telecom Secretary said, “The schedule of auction that we have drawn up spans a period of about 400 days, which we believe is the best estimate of the timeline required for an efficient process to cover all the steps required for the auction”.

Chandrasekhar added that the application seeks further clarification from the court on the order that was passed on 2 February so as to ensure that DoT can implement the order in an apt manner. He also stated that they looked to file a review petition by tomorrow.

When asked about the court order which stated that the auction had to be held within nine months – clearly over-stretching the timeline set by the court, he stated that, “It is our impression that as far as the auction is concerned the court has not indicated a timeline as such.”

Watch video interview