The Indian government has called for proposals from companies wishing to conduct the auction of 839 new FM frequencies under Phase III of private FM licensing.

The Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry says it plans to roll out the e-auction after the Indian general elections have finished and the new government is installed.

The ministry says both Indian and foreign companies can apply to conduct the auctions provided that they have no commercial dealings with or equity directly or indirectly in any FM broadcaster in the country.

No radio company should have equity in the bidder either.

Companies have to submit proposals by June 20.

The selected e-auctioner’s remit will be to “design, structure and implement the overall process of e-auction on a simultaneous, controlled, ascending basis” “to ensure a transparent and fair auction and selection process with optimum revenue and help in promoting equitable growth of FM radio,” a Request for Proposal stated.