jio-airtel-vodafone-idea-to-participate-in-rs-96-317-cr-spectrum-auction

Telecom giants Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone have submitted their applications to bid in the upcoming spectrum auction, which is set to commence on June 6, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The auction, slated to offer eight spectrum bands for mobile phone services, carries a base price of approximately Rs 96,317 crore. These bands include 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 2,100 MHz, 2,300 MHz, 2,500 MHz, 3,300 MHz, and 26 GHz.

Under the terms, the assigned spectrum will be valid for 20 years, with successful bidders permitted to make payments over 20 equal annual installments.

Additionally, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced an option allowing the surrender of acquired spectrum after a minimum period of 10 years.

Ownership details of the applicants are slated for publication by the DoT on May 10. The deadline for withdrawal of applications is May 17, with the final list of bidders scheduled for release on May 20.

In the previous auction held in 2022, the Adani Group emerged as a surprise bidder, but there are no new contenders reported for the upcoming auction.