Govt moves SC to extend 2G auction deadline to Nov

The Union government today moved the Supreme Court to extend the timeline for the 2G spectrum auction to 12 November and sought another 40 days to complete the auction and allocate licences and spectrum.

The central government’s plea was filed in the Supreme Court by itsadvocate-on-record DS Mahra.

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The Supreme Court had while cancelling the 122 2G licences set 31 August as the deadline for the auction process and extended the validity of quashed licences till September 7. The decision to move court was taken in the EGoM headed by Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday.

As per the new timeline, interested parties will have to submit their bids latest by 9 October , while a final list will be announced on 6 November. The government expects to complete the bidding process by 28 January.

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On Monday, the Department of Telecom had selected Times Internet Ltd (TIL) as auctioneer to operate the process.

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, has finalised Rs 14,000 crore as the minimum price for 5 Mhz spectrum in 1800 Mhz band, and Rs 18,200 crore for 5 Mhz in 800 Mhz band.