The auction for CDMA spectrum is over even before it has started. Videocon has withdrawn its application to bid for CDMA spectrum, leaving just one player in the race. The company had applied to bid for about 10 circles. Tata Teleservices is the only other operator that had shown interest in three circles. If Tata Teleservices decides to bid, it will get these circles at the base price.
In the GSM segment there are still five players left in the race but, according to industry sources, some may withdraw on Monday.
Airtel, Vodafone, Videocon, Idea Cellular and Telenor had applied to take part in the auction for GSM spectrum. They can withdraw their candidature by Monday.
The auction will start on November 12 but, clearly, interest levels are low. Incumbent players want the auction to get over at a low bid price because they have to pay a one-time fee based on the final bid price.