In New Delhi, telecom operators showed interest in four spectrum bands (900 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 2,100 MHz and 2,500 MHz) as the auction entered the fourth round around 3 pm on Tuesday, sources said.
The auction of spectrum for mobile services above 10,500 Mhz worth over Rs 96,238 crore began at 10 am, according to an official statement.
"Initially there was activity in four rounds of spectrum: the 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 2,100 MHz and 2,500 MHz bands. The spectrum auction entered the fourth round around 3 p.m.," a source said.
This is the tenth spectrum auction since the process of selling radio waves began through an online bidding process in 2010.
In August 2022, the last spectrum auction was held, which, for the first time, included radio waves for 5G services.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) started the spectrum auction and a notice inviting applications was issued on March 8.
"The Ministry of Communications announced that the following spectrum bands will be auctioned in the upcoming auction: 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 2,100 MHz, 2,300 MHz, 2,500 MHz, 3,300 MHz and 26 GHz.
"The total amount of spectrum to be auctioned is 10,522.35 MHz across various bands, valuing Rs 96,238.45 crore at reserve prices," the statement said.
The 3,300 Mhz band and the 26 Mhz band are considered suitable bands for 5G services.
Reliance Jio has posted the highest collateral of Rs 3,000 crore for the auction, giving the company the potential to bid for maximum airwaves.
According to the shortlisted bidder details released by the Department of Telecom, Bharti Airtel has submitted an earnest money deposit (EMD) of Rs 1,050 crore and Vodafone Idea (VIL) of Rs 300 crore.
Telecom industry body Association of Indian Cellular Operators Director General SP Kochhar said the 5G auctions will catalyze rapid rollout of 5G services across the country, leading to greater coverage and vastly improved connectivity.
"By closing the digital divide, 5G spectrum auctions will ensure that even the most remote areas of our country gain access to high-speed Internet, thereby fostering greater economic opportunity and social advancement.
"The auctions also symbolize our commitment to 'Viksit Bharat' and we are confident that the results of these auctions will lay a strong foundation for a prosperous and digitally empowered India," Kochhar said.
According to telecom expert Parag Kar, Reliance Jio can bid for 37.36 per cent of the total spectrum value according to EMD, Bharti 13.07 per cent and Vodafone Idea 3.73 per cent.
According to Kar's analysis, Jio may be interested in bidding only for the 800 Mhz band, which can generate an estimated cash flow of Rs 18,000 crore.
"Bharti's specific focus in the upcoming auction is aimed at consolidating and improving its spectral efficiency. The total output for Bharti will be Rs 11,512 crore at the reserve price," Kar said in his blog.
Debt-laden Vodafone Idea (VIL) is likely to focus on strategic acquisitions, particularly in the 26 GHz band, to reduce its spectrum usage fee.
The auction of spectrum for mobile services above 10,500 Mhz worth over Rs 96,238 crore began at 10 am, according to an official statement.
"Initially there was activity in four rounds of spectrum: the 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 2,100 MHz and 2,500 MHz bands. The spectrum auction entered the fourth round around 3 p.m.," a source said.
This is the tenth spectrum auction since the process of selling radio waves began through an online bidding process in 2010.
In August 2022, the last spectrum auction was held, which, for the first time, included radio waves for 5G services.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) started the spectrum auction and a notice inviting applications was issued on March 8.
"The Ministry of Communications announced that the following spectrum bands will be auctioned in the upcoming auction: 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 2,100 MHz, 2,300 MHz, 2,500 MHz, 3,300 MHz and 26 GHz.
"The total amount of spectrum to be auctioned is 10,522.35 MHz across various bands, valuing Rs 96,238.45 crore at reserve prices," the statement said.
The 3,300 Mhz band and the 26 Mhz band are considered suitable bands for 5G services.
Reliance Jio has posted the highest collateral of Rs 3,000 crore for the auction, giving the company the potential to bid for maximum airwaves.
According to the shortlisted bidder details released by the Department of Telecom, Bharti Airtel has submitted an earnest money deposit (EMD) of Rs 1,050 crore and Vodafone Idea (VIL) of Rs 300 crore.
Telecom industry body Association of Indian Cellular Operators Director General SP Kochhar said the 5G auctions will catalyze rapid rollout of 5G services across the country, leading to greater coverage and vastly improved connectivity.
"By closing the digital divide, 5G spectrum auctions will ensure that even the most remote areas of our country gain access to high-speed Internet, thereby fostering greater economic opportunity and social advancement.
"The auctions also symbolize our commitment to 'Viksit Bharat' and we are confident that the results of these auctions will lay a strong foundation for a prosperous and digitally empowered India," Kochhar said.
According to telecom expert Parag Kar, Reliance Jio can bid for 37.36 per cent of the total spectrum value according to EMD, Bharti 13.07 per cent and Vodafone Idea 3.73 per cent.
According to Kar's analysis, Jio may be interested in bidding only for the 800 Mhz band, which can generate an estimated cash flow of Rs 18,000 crore.
"Bharti's specific focus in the upcoming auction is aimed at consolidating and improving its spectral efficiency. The total output for Bharti will be Rs 11,512 crore at the reserve price," Kar said in his blog.
Debt-laden Vodafone Idea (VIL) is likely to focus on strategic acquisitions, particularly in the 26 GHz band, to reduce its spectrum usage fee.
