Spectrum auction begins on May 20, with 5G airwaves worth Rs 96,317.65 crore sold, ET Telecom

NEW DELHI: India’s next spectrum auction will begin on May 20, with the government set to sell airwaves in eight major bands worth Rs 96,317.65 crore.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Friday issued a Notice of Invitation for Applications (NIA) outlining the auction rules and inviting telecom companies to participate.

The next auction will sell 5G radio waves in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz, and 26 GHz bands.

Companies wishing to purchase spectrum can apply until April 22. Mock auctions will be held on May 13th and 14th, with actual sales starting on May 20th.

However, industry experts and analysts expect future sales to be modest as India’s leading telecom companies do not currently need more spectrum for their 5G needs. This auction is likely to see selective purchases by Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, which need to update their spectrum in several circles. Separately, the Adani group may buy some airwaves in the lower frequency bands, the analyst added.

Airtel needs to update its spectrum in J&K, Odisha, Bihar, UP (Eastern), West Bengal and Assam. Meanwhile, Vodafone Idea needs to renew its license in West Bengal and UP West.

Jeffries said Airtel and Vodafone Idea only need to renew airwaves worth about Rs 4,200 crore and Rs 1,950 crore respectively, while market leader Reliance Jio has less frequency renewals scheduled for this year. There are no plans for.