Introduction
The Spectrum Auction of 2012 marked a pivotal moment in the history of Indian telecom. Stemming from the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment on 2nd February 2012, the auction was a direct outcome of the cancellation of 122 telecom licenses that had been granted during the controversial 2G licensing process of 2008. The judgment directed the government to hold fresh auctions for spectrum in the 2G bands, similar to the 3G auction held in 2010. This part of the series will explore the intricacies of the 2012 auction, the liberalization of 2G bands, the reserve price controversy, and the key issues that shaped its outcome.
Liberalization of 2G Bands
One of the most significant developments in the 2012 auction was the liberalization of 2G bands. The Supreme Court’s directive required the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to recommend the modalities for the new auction. In response, TRAI made a fundamental shift in how the existing 2G spectrum was defined and handled.
