The Indian regulator, TRAI, remains determined to hold a 5G-focused auction in the 3.3-3.6 GHz band before the end of the year, but the three main operators – Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea – are calling for a delay and for lower reserve prices. If the government, and TRAI, continue with their planned dates and prices, the auction will be unaffordable, say the operators. TRAI has recommended a reserve price of INR4.92bn ($71m) per unit for the 3.3-3.6 GHz band, the centrepiece of a multiband auction which would offer a total of 8,294 MHz of spectrum. This would make it one of the biggest auctions ever held, and Indian MNOs certainly need more airwaves to keep up with…