Spectrum auction sold after 5 years in the country ended on March 2. It lasted for two days and six bidding rounds in total. As per the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology, a total of ₹77,814.80 crore bids has been filed for spectrum.
Reliance Jio became the largest bidder after the end of all six bidding rounds. Incidentally, the leading telecom operator Reliance Jio acquired spectrum in three bands namely 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz in 22 circles across India.
Jio Leads from the Front:
Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio has submitted the highest bids of ₹57,122.65 crores in the Spectrum Auction 2021. On the other hand, Sunil Bharti Mittal-led Bharti Airtel became the second-biggest bidder with ₹18,698.75 crores. While Vodafone-Idea that operates under the Vi brand is the least aggressive player with over ₹1993.4 crores in 5 circles.
Through this latest 2021 Spectrum Auction, the government has earned a total of ₹77,814.80 crores for the 855.60 MHz spectrum. Reliance Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea are the only bidders in the 2021 spectrum auction that had 700MHz, 800MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz, and 2300MHz bands on bidding.
Once again, there were no participants in the bidding of 700MHz and 2500MHz bands.
Jio Buys Most 4G Spectrum:
Reliance Jio has said in a separate statement that it has acquired the right to use spectrum in 22 circles across the country in the closing spectrum auction. The spectrum purchased will be useful for the transition to 5G services.
The latest spectrum auction is exclusively meant for 4G bands as the government is yet to kick off specific bidding for 5G networks.
With this new spectrum, Reliance Jio increases its spectrum footprint by 55% to 1717 MHz and has the largest spectrum holdings in Sub-GHz and 2300 MHz bands.
Pricing-wise, Reliance Jio will have to pay a total of ₹57122 crores. It includes an upfront payment of ₹8623 crores, ₹6231 crores and ₹5085 crores for the spectrum purchased in the 800 MHz band, 1800 MHz band and 2300 MHz band respectively.
| Jio’s Frequency Band |
Upfront Payment |
Deferred Payment |
Total Payment |
| 800 MHz |
₹8,623 Crore |
₹25,868 Crore |
₹34,491 Crore |
| 1800 MHz |
₹6,231 Crore |
₹6,231 Crore |
₹12,461 Crore |
| 2300 MHz |
₹5,085 Crore |
₹5,085 Crore |
₹10,170 Crore |
| Total |
₹19,939 Crore |
₹37,184 Crore |
₹57,122 Crore |
Airtel has revealed that it has acquired 355.45 MHz spectrum mid-band and 2300 MHz band spectrum in the Sub-Giga Hertz category. The latest spectrum will cover additional 90 million subscribers.
| Airtel’s Frequency Band |
Total Payment |
| 800 MHz |
₹3,008 Crore |
| 900 MHz |
₹6,448 Crore |
| 1800 MHz |
₹5,816 Crore |
| 2100 MHz |
₹355 Crore |
| 2300 MHz |
₹3,070 Crore |
| Total |
₹18697 Crore |
Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) has said that the latest spectrum 4G coverage in five circles will help improve its capability. This will provide more quality digital services and the business will be able to grow.
India, which once suffered from spectrum shortage, has now become a surplus country. It is praised that the government’s work is behind it. It will contribute to the goal of digital India of the central government.
It is to be noted that the Indian telecom network companies can use this spectrum for a period of 20 years. In a statement, the Telecom Ministry said that none has submitted bids for the 700 MHz band because of the high prices.
What’s Your Opinion?
For the unaware, the low-frequency 700MHz band is specifically used to bolster internal cellular coverage. The 700MHz band coupled with the 3.5GHz band has got the potential to accelerate India’s progress to the top league of digitally enabled nations.
Thus, the Government should address on priority the reserve pricing of this low-frequency 700MHz band for the benefit of the nation.
So, what is your opinion on the latest Spectrum Auction 2021? Share your thoughts.
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