The much-awaited auction for 2G spectrum that was freed following the cancellation of 122 telecom licences started at 0900 hrs today. The government expects to raise around Rs 40,000 crore through the auction.

Telecom Secretary R Chandrashekhar replied in the affirmative when asked if the auction started on time. The auction has started for 1800 megahertz spectrum band -- currently being used for offering 2G GSM telecom services.

Five telecom operators -- Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, Telenor-promoted Telewings, Videocon and Idea Cellular -- had applied for participating in the auctions.

"As per schedule, auction time is from 0900 hrs to 1930 hrs. Participating firms have been given an option to seek extension of auction rounds," consulting firm for auction, E-Procurement Technologies' Vice President Suraj Radhakrishnan said.