FM Phase III e-auction

The information & broadcasting ministry has invited applications for e-auction for the first batch of FM Radio Phase III channels for allocating 135 channels in 69 existing cities. The last date for submission of applications was March 27. Pre-qualification of bidders will be announced on April 23. A mock auction will be held 4-5 days thereafter. The auction will start from April 30.

The reserve price for all the 135 channels put together is Rs 550 crore, while the reserve price for one channel in each of the 69 cities is Rs 301 crore (see table at pg 52 & 53).

The government has held that no entity shall hold permission for more than 15 pc of all channels allotted in the country, excluding channels in the cities located in J&K, the North-Eastern states and union territories, where only city-wise cap will apply.