NEW DELHI - The Indian government Tuesday announced it has begun the auction of spectrum for telecom services worth $11.53 billion.

According to the Federal Ministry of Communications, the total quantum of spectrum being auctioned is 10,522.35 MHz in various bands.

Spectrum bands to go up for bidding include 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 2,100 MHz, 2,300 MHz, 2,500 MHz, 3,300 MHz and 26 GHz.

The auction will see participation from three bidders - Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio Infocomm

Officials said the decision has been taken in line with the Indian government's commitment to facilitate affordable, state-of-the-art high quality telecom services to its citizens.

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The auction will see participation from three bidders - Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio Infocomm.

As per the ministry, the spectrum will be assigned for a period of 20 years.

"Spectrum acquired through this auction can be surrendered after a minimum period of 10 years," the ministry said. "There will be no spectrum usage charges for spectrum acquired in this auction."