Nod for 4G auctions: With prices unchanged, govt to fall short of targeted Rs 3.92 lakh crore

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the next round of spectrum auctions to be held in March. However, with the government not reducing the price of the premium 4G band (700 MHz) – its second attempt to sell it after the first one in 2016 found no bids – it is unlikely that the operators would bid for it. If it finds no takers, the government would once again find itself falling short of its revenue targets and would be left with substantial unsold spectrum.