Introduction
The 3G auction, initially announced by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in 2008, was meant to usher in a new era for mobile services in India. The promise of 3G was to bring faster internet connectivity, improved network efficiency, and advanced features that would drive the digital transformation of the country. However, the auction process was far from smooth. It was marred by delays, regulatory inefficiencies, and a significant mismatch between demand and supply that led to an astronomical increase in auction prices. This part explores the 3G auction journey from its beginning to the auction itself, delving into the numerous issues and controversies that made this process particularly challenging. [Reference: DoT Guidelines for Auctioning 3G Spectrum, 2008]
