New Delhi, Feb 5 (IANS): A total of 17 rounds of bidding have taken place till Wednesday afternoon in the second generation (2G) spectrum or airwaves auction that began Feb 3, an official statement said here.

"Auction recommenced with the 15th round today (Wednesday) at 9 a.m. Bidding is ongoing," the statement said.

Eight mobile phone service providers are participating in the auction for 46 MHz in 900 MHz band and 385 MHz in 1,800 MHz band.

At the end of the second day of bidding, data released by the department of telecom showed that till day two 14 rounds of bidding took place in all 22 circles in the 1,800 MHz band and the 900 MHz band received bids in all three circles which are up for auction.

The eight mobile phone service providers participating in the auction are Reliance C1ommunications, Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, Telewings, Aircel, Tata Teleservices and Idea Cellular.

Bharti Airtel's 20-year licence is going to expire in Delhi and Kolkata circles and Vodafone India's 20-year licences in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata circles too are getting over November this year.

The total spectrum on offer is 46 MHz in 900 MHz band (only Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata) and 385 MHz in 1,800 MHz band (all 22 circles) simultaneously. The government has targetted mopping up Rs.40,874.50 crore from the spectrum auction in 2013-14.

The auctioning of the airwaves is done to obtain a market determined price of the spectrum. This auction does not have any last date. It will go on from 9 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. Monday to Saturday every week till the time telecom service providers keep bidding.

The service providers will bid using fixed Internet Protocols (IP) as dynamic IP addresses are not allowed.

The objectives of the auctions are to obtain a market determined price of spectrum in 1,800 MHz and 900 MHz bands through a transparent process; ensure efficient use of spectrum and avoid hoarding; stimulate competition in the sector; promote rollout of the respective services and maximise revenue proceeds from the auctions within the set parameters.

Times Internet Limited and e-Procurement Technologies Limited are advising the government on the auction. Administration of the e-auction is the responsibility of e-Procurement Technologies Limited.