Spectrum Auction Heats Up: Jio Leads with Rs 3,000 Crore Deposit

Telecom operators expressed interest in four spectrum bands as the auction entered its fourth round on Tuesday. The auction, initiated by the Department of Telecommunications, involves 10,522.35 MHz valued at Rs 96,238.45 crore. Reliance Jio leads with a deposit of Rs 3,000 crore, followed by Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea.

Telecom operators showed a keen interest in four spectrum bands – 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 2,100 MHz, and 2,500 MHz – as the auction progressed into its fourth round around 3pm on Tuesday, sources indicated.

The spectrum auction for over 10,500 MHz of mobile services, worth more than Rs 96,238 crore, commenced at 10 am, according to an official statement. Initial rounds saw activity in 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 2,100 MHz, and 2,500 MHz bands. The auction moved into the fourth round at 3pm, a source informed PTI.

This marks the 10th spectrum auction since the onset of online bidding in 2010. Notably, the previous auction in August 2022 included radiowaves for 5G services for the first time.

In an announcement, the Ministry of Communications detailed the spectrum bands available for the upcoming auction, which include 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 2,100 MHz, 2,300 MHz, 2,500 MHz, 3,300 MHz, and 26 GHz. The total quantum to be auctioned is 10,522.35 MHz, valued at Rs 96,238.45 crores at reserve prices.

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