Govt receives Rs 11,300 cr as 5G spectrum auction ends, Airtel emerges top bidder

The Rs 96,000 crore spectrum auction for 5G airwaves began on Tuesday with eight bands and offering a total of 10 GHz of radio waves spanning frequencies from 800 MHz to 26 GHz.

Bharti Airtel emerged as the top bidder in the Rs 96,000 crore 5G spectrum auction, which concluded after seven rounds.

Bharti Airtel is believed to have acquired spectrum in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands.

Reliance Jio’s participation in the auction was limited, with the market leader likely purchasing 5G bandwidth primarily in the 1800 MHz band.

Vodafone Idea (Vi) is reported to have secured spectrum in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2500 MHz bands.

Airtel and Vi followed strategic approaches, focusing on areas where their current licences are set to expire this year. Airtel, under the leadership of Sunil Mittal, also bolstered its sub-GHz spectrum holdings by acquiring additional 900 MHz airwaves, an area where it lagged behind Jio.

Airtel is also thought to have selectively acquired 2100 MHz spectrum in key markets to strengthen its mid-band spectrum holdings, aiming to expand its 5G coverage nationwide and enhance its 4G networks in rural regions.

Jio’s limited bidding activity was expected, given its lack of imminent spectrum renewals. Analysts suggest that Jio concentrated on expanding its mid-band 5G airwaves in the 1800 MHz band to support both its 4G and 5G services.