2G spectrum auction begins

The auction of 2G spectrum began here on Monday, at 9 am, in which the government expects to raise around Rs 40,000 crore.

The 2G spectrum was freed following the cancellation of 122 telecom licenses.

PTI reported that Telecom Secretary R.Chandrashekhar replied in the affirmative when asked if the auction started on time.

The auction has started for 1800 megahertz spectrum band - currently being used for offering 2G GSM telecom services.

Five telecom operators - Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, Telenor-promoted Telewings, Videocon and Idea Cellular - had applied for participating in the auctions.