Spectrum allocations in India are conducted by the Department of Telcommunication (DoT)
In 2010, the 3G and 4G telecom spectrum were auctioned in a highly competitive bidding. The private companies which took part in the auction were Airtel, Aircel, Idea, Tata teleservices, Reliance, S Tel and Vodafone Essar. Apart from them, state-owned BSNL and MTNL were also awarded spectrum, although they did not participate in the auction. Both these state-owned operators were given a head start by the government in the 3G space by allotting the required 3G spectrum, on the condition that each would pay an amount which would be equivalent to the highest bid in the respective service areas as and when the 3G auctions took place