India’s 5G spectrum auction underway: Jio, Adani, Airtel vying for airwaves worth Rs 4.3 lakh crore
Among the bidders for 5G airwaves, the telecom giant Reliance Jio expects to bag lion’s share of airwaves. It has submitted an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of Rs 14,000 crore while Bharti Airtel has put in Rs 5,500 crore.
New Delhi: India’s biggest-ever auction of spectrum began on Tuesday with telecom giants including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel leading the bidding battle.
Cash strapped Vodafone and Adani Data Networks, new entrant in the business are also participating in the bidding for India’s first auction of 5G spectrum. Under the auction, 72 GHz of 5G airwaves worth Rs 4.3 lakh crore are on offer. The sale of spectrum is expected to run for around a day & half.
The auction is being held for various bands including small range – 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz), mid range – 3300 MHz and high (26 GHz) frequency bands.
Who is highest bidder for 5G spectrum?
Among the bidders for 5G airwaves, the telecom giant Reliance Jio expects to bag lion’s share of airwaves. It has submitted an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of Rs 14,000 crore while Bharti Airtel has put in Rs 5,500 crore.
Vodafone has put in EMD of Rs 2,200 crore while Adani Data has opted for Rs 100 EMD.
Bharti Airtel, India’s second largest telco is likely to buy 100 units of C-based, 150 units of 26 GHZ and top-ups in 900/1800/2300 MHz bands.
Vodafone Idea is likely to keep its bidding restricted and is likely to vie for 50 units of C-band and tops up in 900/1800 MHz bands.
EMD gives an indication of the company’s planned investment on the amount of spectrum that it wants to buy.
How 5G spectrum would alter lives
The 5G spectrum would bring a sea-change in the way people use technology for internet & other purposes. The 5G airwaves offer ultra-high speed (almost 10 times faster than 4G), lag-free connectivity.