The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India released a consultation paper on the planned auction of spectrum following its earlier cancellation of 122 second-generation technology licences.

Following an earlier “pre-consultation” period, the document discusses issues such as the amount of spectrum to be auctioned, refarming of spectrum in the 800MHz/900MHz bands, structure of the process and eligibility.

The country’s authorities earlier this year revoked 122 licences issued in controversial circumstances in 2008, which itself sparked protests from the operators now using these permits to offer services.

As a result, a number of foreign companies have taken action with regard to their investments, with Etisalat and Batelco both announcing plans to exit the market. Telenor has also become embroiled in a legal dispute with local partner Unitech.

Written comments on the current document are invited until 21 March 2012, and counter-comments until 28 March – and there will be “no further extension of timelines.”

According to the Economic Times, once completed Trai will give its recommendations to the Department of Telecom.