The Cellular Operators’ Association of India has said the unsold spectrum in the 700 MHz band should be put for sale two years from now after tweaking its price.
COAI, the association that represents India’s top mobile service operators, said the tepid response to spectrum in 700 MHz is owed to a high reserve price. The auction, which ended on Thursday, saw no takers for 700 MHz band, which is considered to be ideal for broadband services.
Rajan S Mathews, Director-General, COAI, said, "We are hopeful the Government and the DoT will take cognisance of the role a high reserve price had on bidding, as far as the 700 MHz is concerned, and will re-calibrate the price so that spectrum in the band could be put up for auction, maybe two years from now".
COAI had earlier also raised the issue of the high reserve price on the band, and how this could affect investor interest during the auction.