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In a recent telecom spectrum auction, Bharti Airtel emerged as the top buyer, securing approximately 60% of the total ₹11,340 crore worth of spectrum sold. The auction, which concluded within two days, saw limited participation despite the government offering 10 GHz of spectrum across various bands.
Bharti Airtel invested ₹6,856.76 crore to acquire 97 MHz of radio waves, aimed at enhancing its mobile services across the country. Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio followed with a purchase of ₹973.62 crore worth of spectrum, focusing on consolidating its position in the Bihar and West Bengal circles. Meanwhile, Vodafone Idea, amidst its recent financial restructuring, acquired spectrum valued at ₹3,510.4 crore.
The auction, overseen by the Department of Telecommunications, highlighted subdued interest in certain bands, notably those already acquired in previous auctions. This included the 5G spectrum sold in August 2022, where most of the spectrum remains under monetization.
Gopal Vittal, MD and CEO of Bharti Airtel, expressed the company’s strategic approach in acquiring spectrum to optimize customer experience, particularly enhancing coverage indoors. Reliance Jio’s Chairman, Akash M Ambani, emphasized their commitment to expanding digital infrastructure across India with the new acquisitions.
Despite the auction’s total revenue being approximately 12% of the base price, officials noted it aligned with expectations given prior deposit indications and market conditions. The unsold spectrum will be reintroduced in future auctions, as telecom companies continue to strategize their spectrum acquisitions amidst evolving technological demands.
The auction outcome underscores telecom operators’ ongoing efforts to bolster their network capacities and prepare for future service enhancements in the competitive Indian market.
Sources By Agencies
