The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has asked companies holding 3,300 and 3,400 MHz spectrum to vacate them within six months as the frequencies have been identified for implementation of International Mobile Communications (IMT). The band is currently being used by Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

The existing licensees of the spectrum can migrate to other bands for providing internet services, including 2.7-2.9 GHz and 5 GHz, which may be allocated depending on availability. The ISPs will have to submit applications with the Wireless Planning Coordination (WPC) wing of the Telecom ministry, said sources close to the development.

The government will not allocate further spectrum in these frequencies, and will not renew spectrum beyond six months. The proposed allocation of the band was earlier brought to the notice of ISPs, sources said, quoting a DoT circular.

ISPs such as Tata Communications, Reliance Communication Infrastructure, Dishnet Wireless and Bharti Airtel currently use this spectrum mostly for WiMax spectrum. State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and Indian Oil Corporation are also captive licensees of this spectrum band.

DoT had earlier sought the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s recommendations to fix a reserve price for auctioning of these bands, and the licenser was expected to finalise prices for the country’s largest spectrum auction within three months.

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