The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has reportedly begun preparations to sell airwaves across nearly 10 bands in the next spectrum auction, including the upper 6 GHz band, which will go on sale for the first time. With most airwaves drawing limited interest in the previous two auctions, the regulator is exploring ways to make the upcoming round more attractive for potential bidders, which may also include entities that are not licensed telecom operators.
To boost competition and mitigate any oversupply risks, TRAI will engage stakeholders on whether the auction format and design need a rethink.
Further, the regulator has issued a consultation paper containing 44 questions on pricing and other auction modalities. Stakeholders can submit comments by October 28, 2025.
As per TRAI, the upcoming auction will cover existing international mobile telecommunications (IMT) bands of 800-megahertz (MHz), 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz, and 26 GHz. Bands under consideration that are yet to be assigned for IMT in India include 600 MHz, 1427-1518 MHz, 6425-6725 MHz, and 7025-7125 MHz, which would be auctioned for the first time.
Additionally, while shaping the consultation, TRAI will take into account inputs from the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA). Currently, only access service providers are eligible to participate in IMT spectrum auctions.
Another approach under examination is creating an enabling regulatory framework that lowers entry barriers for access service providers, so new entities might obtain access service licences/authorisations and participate in IMT auctions.
On reserve pricing, TRAI noted that spectrum demand depends on multiple technical and economic factors, with the reserve price being one such driver; pricing that is too high can deter participation and curb competition, while pricing that is too low is also undesirable.
The regulator also plans to review whether the valuation methodologies currently used for spectrum need modification or revision.