Winning bidders from India's 3G auction may be placed on a waiting list in some areas where the airwaves are particularly congested, under a new government proposal.

The government has had trouble freeing up enough spectrum from the defence forces for the auction, which the government has repeatedly ensured will be concluded by mid-January.

Now, according to the Business Standard, the government is considering placing auction winners on a waiting list in nine of the country's 22 telecommunications circles – including Delhi.

Under the proposal, auction winners will pay 25% of their bid price up-front. Spectrum will then be allocated when it is made available.

The government has faced criticism for refusing to delay the auction, despite requests from operators reeling from the effects of the global economic crisis, and even though the credit crisis will lower the government's potential revenue from the auction.

But with an election coming up, the government seems hell-bent on keeping to its schedule.

Source:telecomasia.net