- Consolidates leadership position in all 22 circles by acquiring right to use spectrum in the 700MHz, 800MHz, 1800MHz, 3300MHz and 26GHz bands
- Jio’s unique 700 MHz spectrum footprint will make it the only operator providing True 5G services across India
- Jio’s 5G solution is made in India, by Indians and to suit the need of every Indian
- Leverages combination of Jio’s Atmanirbhar technology expertise, extensive infrastructure and partnerships with global technology majors to accelerate India’s transformation into a Digital Society
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
MUMBAI, AUG 2
Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio on Monday emerged as the largest bidder for the 5G spectrum, acquiring close to half of all the airwaves sold in the latest auction for Rs 88,078 crore.
According to Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Jio acquired spectrum across several bands, including the coveted 700 MHz band that can provide 6-10 km of signal range and forms a good base for fifth generation (5G) in all 22 circles in the country. Telecom tycoon Sunil Bharti Mittal’s Bharti Airtel bought a 19,867 MHz airwave across different bands for Rs 43,084 crore. Vodafone Idea Ltd bought spectrum for Rs 18,784 crore.
In all, Rs150,173 crore of bids were received, Vaishnaw said.
Of the 72,098 MHz of spectrum offered across 10 bands, 51,236 MHz, or 71 percent, was sold.
The government, he said, in the first year will get a Rs13,365 crore payment for the spectrum.
The acquisition of the right to use this spectrum will enable Jio to build the World’s most advanced 5G network and further strengthen India’s global leadership in wireless broadband connectivity. Jio’s 5G network will enable the next generation of digital solutions that will accelerate India’s AI-driven march towards becoming a US$ 5+ trillion economy.
Launched just six years ago, Jio has created multiple world records during its roll out of the largest 4G network in the shortest period of time. Jio’s 4G network provides the highest quality, most affordable digital services to over 400 million loyal and delighted customers. Jio will now raise the bar even further with its 5G services.
Jio has been a front-runner in embracing technologies of the future and unlocking their full potential for the benefit of India, Indians and Indian businesses. Jio has demonstrated its visionary commitment yet again, as India enters the 5G era. As with Jio 4G that blurred the line between Bharat and India and provided every Indian the best connectivity at the most affordable price globally, Jio 5G will ensure that every Indian gets to access the most transformative digital services and platforms offered anywhere in the world.
Jio’s 5G solution is made in India, by Indians and to suit the need of every Indian. Jio is fully ready for 5G rollout in the shortest period of time because of its nationwide fibre presence, all-IP network with no legacy infrastructure, indigenous 5G stack and strong global partnerships across the technology ecosystem.
#Jio gets ready to roll out world’s most advanced 5G network across #India & to make India the global leader in digital connectivity & digital solutions. In the #5GSpectrumAuction, #RelianceJio consolidates leadership position in all 22 circles with an investment of Rs 88,078 cr. pic.twitter.com/ILfOUSUHvH
— Dhanraj Nathwani (@DhanrajNathwani) August 1, 2022
Commenting on this, Akash M Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Jio Infocomm said: “We have always believed that India will become a leading economic power in the world by adopting the power of breakthrough technologies. This was the vision and conviction that gave birth to Jio. The speed, scale and societal impact of Jio’s 4G rollout is unmatched anywhere in the world. Now, with a bigger ambition and stronger resolve, Jio is set to lead India’s march into the 5G era.
We will celebrate ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ with a pan India 5G rollout. Jio is committed to offering world-class, affordable 5G and 5G-enabled services. We will provide services, platforms and solutions that will accelerate India’s digital revolution, especially in crucial sectors like Education, Healthcare, Agriculture, Manufacturing and e-Governance and make another proud contribution to Honourable Prime Minister’s DIGITAL INDIA MISSION.”
Circle wise details of spectrum acquired
| Circle | 700 MHz (paired) | 800 MHz
(paired) |
1800 MHz(paired) | 3300 MHz
(unpaired) |
26 GHz
(unpaired) |
| Andhra Pradesh | 10 | – | – | 100 | 1,000 |
| Assam | 10 | 5 | – | 100 | 1,000 |
| Bihar | 10 | – | – | 100 | 1,000 |
| Delhi | 10 | – | – | 100 | 1,000 |
| Gujarat | 10 | – | 10 | 100 | 1,000 |
| Haryana | 10 | – | – | 100 | 1,000 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 10 | – | – | 130 | 1,000 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 10 | 5 | – | 130 | 1,000 |
| Karnataka | 10 | – | – | 130 | 1,000 |
| Kerala | 10 | – | – | 130 | 1,000 |
| Kolkata | 10 | – | – | 100 | 1,000 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 10 | – | 10 | 130 | 1,000 |
| Maharashtra | 10 | – | 10 | 100 | 1,000 |
| Mumbai | 10 | – | – | 100 | 1,000 |
| North-East | 10 | 5 | – | 130 | 1,000 |
| Odisha | 10 | – | 10 | 100 | 1,000 |
| Punjab | 10 | – | – | 100 | 1,000 |
| Rajasthan | 10 | – | 10 | 130 | 1,000 |
| Tamil Nadu | 10 | – | – | 100 | 1,000 |
| Uttar Pradesh (East) | 10 | – | 10 | 100 | 1,000 |
| Uttar Pradesh (West) | 10 | 5 | – | 130 | 1,000 |
| West Bengal | 10 | – | – | 100 | 1,000 |
| Total | 220 | 20 | 60 | 2,440 | 22,000 |
Cost
Total cost of acquiring the right to use the above technology agnostic spectrum for a period of 20 years is Rs 88,078 crore. As per terms of the spectrum auction, the spectrum payments have to be made over 20 equated annual instalments, with interest computed at 7.2% per annum. Annual payment amount is summarised below:
(amount in Rs. crore)
| Frequency Band | Total Annual Payment |
| 700 MHz | 3,512 |
| 800 MHz | 94 |
| 1800 MHz | 628 |
| 3300 MHz | 3,017 |
| 26 GHz | 625 |
| Total | 7,877 |
The above amounts are provisional, subject to DOT confirmation.
