EGoM likely to meet on June 26 to discuss spectrum auction

A high-powered ministerial panel is likely to meet on June 26 to decide on the third round of spectrum auction and pricing of airwaves.

According to sources, the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) headed by Finance Minister P Chidambaram, would take a call on the number of telecom circles in which the third round of spectrum auction should be conducted. It will also decide on auction schedule and the reserve price of spectrum. "The EGoM will meet on June 26 to discuss spectrum auction and pricing matter," sources said. The government has to conduct the third round of spectrum auction in order to comply with the Supreme Court order. The apex court on February 15, 2013, had directed the government to put the entire spectrum for auction that was freed from cancellation of 122 2G licences. The government had put on sale 271.25 Mhz of spectrum in November, 2012 against 473.6 Mhz of spectrum (including 60 Mhz of CDMA spectrum) that was freed after the Supreme Court order in February last year.