The government is likely to complete the process of spectrum auction, including the one for 2G services, by January-February next year, a senior Finance Ministry official said on Monday.

“...the time-line (for auctions) they (DoT) have indicated to us (Finance Ministry) is by January-February (next year), it will be cleared,” Finance Secretary, Mr R S Gujral said at an event organised here by CII.

The Supreme Court on February 2 had cancelled 122 telecom licences, awarded under the then telecom minister A Raja. It termed them illegal and asked the government to conduct fresh auctions within four months.

“SC has also asked them (DoT) to complete the process in a period of three to four months. They have said it is not feasible. But, the department is very clear that they would be able to complete it (by Jan—Feb timeline),” Mr Gujral said.

The government in Budget 2012-13 has estimated to raise Rs 40,000 crore through auction of spectrum, including the airwaves to be freed by cancellation of 122 licenses as per the Supreme Court order.

Mr Gujral also said spectrum, apart from that for 2G services, is available with the ministries of information & broadcasting and defence. It is likely to be freed during the course of the year, he added.

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