New Delhi, Oct. 6 -- Every time you stream a video, make a call, or use mobile data, you rely on spectrum-invisible radio waves that help your phone connect to the network provider, which in turn helps you make phone calls, run apps, and connect to the internet.

Given that spectrum is a limited resource, the government sells it to telecom companies through auctions making for a healthy source of revenues for the exchequer. Lately, there's a problem: telecom operators are showing up to bid but most of the spectrum is being sold at the reserve price. That's like holding an auction but bids don't go beyond the starting price.

As India prepares for the next telecom spectrum auction, Mint explains what's behind the weak demand, why the gover...