As many as eight companies have applied for taking part in the spectrum auction scheduled for 3 February 2014.

The companies are: Reliance Jio Infocomm; Reliance Communications; Bharti Airtel; Vodafone; Idea Cellular; Aircel; Telewings Communications; and Tata Teleservices.

Reliance Communications has applied for 1,800 MHz and 900 MHz bands. Bharti Airtel and Vodafone are expected to bid to retain spectrum in the 900 MHz band. Both the companies have 900 MHz spectrum in the Delhi and Kolkata circles; Vodafone and Loop have spectrum in the 900 MHz band in the Mumbai circle.

The last date for submitting application for the auction round was 15 January 2014, and the companies have the option to withdraw them by 27 January 2014. About 403 MHz of 2G spectrum in the 1800 MHz band and about 45 MHz of spectrum in the premium 900 MHz band are being put up for auction.