E-auction for 2nd batch of FM radio channels to begin today

E-auction for the second batch of 266 FM radio phase III channels in 92 cities will begin today. The batch consists of 227 channels in 69 fresh cities and 39 channels in 23 existing cities.

E-auction of the first batch comprising of 135 channels in 69 existing cities was held in July last year. At the closure of the e-auction, 97 channels in 56 cities became provisional winning



channels with cumulative provisional winning price of almost Rs 1,160 crore against their aggregate reserve price of about 460 crores.

At a function in New Delhi yesterday, Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu expressed hope of a positive response in the auction. He said, the government hopes to get as much money as possible from the second round of auctions.