India’s three largest mobile operators amassed more than 80% of spectrum in the country’s latest auction, which raised a record Rs1.1trn (US$18bn).
Idea Cellular, the third-largest player, spent the most, bidding a total Rs303.1bn, communications…
India’s three largest mobile operators amassed more than 80% of spectrum in the country’s latest auction, which raised a record Rs1.1trn (US$18bn).
Idea Cellular, the third-largest player, spent the most, bidding a total Rs303.1bn, communications minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told media in late March.
Market leader Bharti Airtel bid a total Rs293.1bn, while Vodafone India agreed to pay Rs259.6bn, according to the minister.
All three operators had spectrum expiring in certain telecoms services areas and were expected to fight for extra to support growing demand for data services.
Nearly 40% of spectrum sold was in the 900 MHz band, currently used for voice services but capable of carrying 3G data.
Eight operators in total vied for the frequencies in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands over 19 days. They also included Reliance Communications (RCom), Tata Teleservices, Uninor, Aircel and nascent player Reliance Jio Infocomm, which is building a network to launch services.
The country’s supreme court, which is considering cases against auction procedures, has given the government the green light to complete the process and seven working days to name the bidders and the amounts they agreed to pay. The final list of successful bidders is subject to the court’s approval, with a hearing set for 16 April.
