The 5G spectrum auction in India wrapped up on the second day, Wednesday, achieving a collection of nearly ₹11,300 crores for the government, marking about 12% of the estimated ₹96,000 crores pool. The previous auction in 2022 spanned around 7 days, bringing the government a whopping 1.5 trillion rupees.
Spanning seven rounds over two days, the auction placed 10,522 megahertz of total spectrum at a base price of ₹96,317 crores. The government received bids for a total of 131 MHz of spectrum, which will be valid for about 20 years.
The auction saw participation from the nation's leading telecom companies: Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi). The event was hosted at the War Room in the Communications Building of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
Bharti Airtel led the spectrum auction, securing 97 MHz of spectrum in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz frequency bands for ₹6,857 crores.
The company emerged as the largest bidder in various circles due to the need to renew the 900 MHz band. Airtel disclosed they will now possess the country’s largest mid-band spectrum pool.
Reliance Jio has purchased spectrum worth ₹973.62 crores, including additional 1800 MHz bands in Bihar and West Bengal. Vi has entered a bid of ₹3,510 crores.
Spectrum essentially represents electromagnetic frequencies that are leveraged in the transmission of various communication services. Companies acquire these to ensure enhanced connectivity for customers.