Adani Group to join race for 5G Spectrum with Jio, Airtel

In a statement, Adani Group spread the airwaves will be used to create a private network to support its businesses.

"As India prepares to roll out next generation of 5G services through this auction, we are one of the many applications participating in the open bidding process," it added in a statement.

The 5G auctions, starting from July 26, will see telecom behemoths Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea, and an Adani entity bidding.

"We are participating in the 5G spectrum auction to provide private network solutions along with enhanced cyber security in the airport, ports & logistics, power generation, transmission, distribution, and various manufacturing operations," the statement added.

An ET report, citing analysts said that Adani Group's participation could boost the competition level which was until recently expected to see muted bidding with only two large entities - Jio and Airtel - participating for ample spectrum airwaves. And, casstrapped Vodafone Idea is being considered only a fringe player.

The government is putting 72 Ghz of 5G frequencies for sale that could net up to Rs 4.5 lakh-crore at base prices.

The airwaves will be auctioned for 20 years across 10 bands ranging from 600 Mhz to 26 Ghz at prices recommended by the telecom regulator.

The auction will be held for spectrum in various low (600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz), mid (3300 MHz) and high (26 GHz) frequency bands.

These prices are around 40 percent less than what the regulator had proposed back in 2018.

However, the telcos have been demanding a 90 percent reduction from the 2018 level.