In view of requests from some potential bidders and the delay in obtaining the CCEA (Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs) approval, India's DoT (Department of Telecommunications) has deferred its 3G spectrum auctions by about two weeks to January 30, 2009, according to a report by Reuters on December 29. The auctions were originally scheduled to take place on January 16, 2009. The deadline for operators to submit applications is also deferred from January 5 to January 20.

The auction schedule for BWA (Broadband Wireless Access) services - which include technologies such as WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) - will remain intact, to be held two days after the 3G auctions are completed, according to the same source.