The vacation of additional 2G and 3G spectrum may generate additional revenue of about Rs 80,000 crore (Rs 800 billion) on the basis of prices according to spectrum auctioned last year, DoT said in a note for the empowered group of ministers.
DoT said the recently concluded auction of 3G and Broadband Wireless Access spectrum had earned the government revenue of about Rs 3,350 crore (Rs 33.5 billion) per MHz for 3G and Rs 642.3 crore (Rs 6.42 billion) per MHz for BWA on pan-India basis.
It added if additional spectrum is not vacated, it may cause a loss of revenue to the government.
Due to differences between DoT and various other departments, including information and broadcasting, defence and space on vacation of spectrum, DoT had decided to refer the matter of vacation of spectrum to the eGoM, which would also look into identification of defence band.
DoT said 150 MHz of spectrum in 1,700-2,000 MHz band for commercial use may not be sufficient to meet the requirements of 2G and 3G services.
An additional spectrum of 80 MHz is also required, without which the growth of 2G and 3G services will be hampered.
It was earlier decided that out of 300 MHz in 1,700-2,000 MHz band, 150 MHz would be used by telecom operators for mobile services and 150 MHz for defence network. However, DoT has now said more spectrum would be required in this band for mobile
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