Top Telcos competing for India’s communication regime: 5G spectrum auction
The Department of Telecom has informed that applications have been received Adani Data Networks Ltd, Reliance Jio Infocomm, Vodafone Idea Ltd and Bharti Airtel Ltd for participation in upcoming 5G auction for rights to use spectrum in various bands. The Cabinet, last month, approved 5G auctions at reserve prices recommended by the sector regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). For the first time ever, there is no mandatory requirement to make upfront payment by the successful bidders.
Adani Group's entry into spectrum bidding will intensify competition in upcoming auctions as well as the enterprise 5G space.
The government is expecting to earn Rs 80,000 crore to Rs 1,00,000 crore by auctioning 5G airwaves. It would levy a zero spectrum usage charge (SUC) on the spectrum acquired and the telecom operators will not be required to make an upfront payment. The dues can be paid in 20 equal instalments.
According to a recent report by telecom hardware company Ericsson, by 2027, 40 percent of subscribers in India will be on 5G networks.
