India’s first ever 5G spectrum auctions has ended on the seventh day of the sale with the government netting a record over Rs1.5 lakh crore, government and industry officials said.
“The final tallying is going on. The government will make an announcement soon,” an official told ET.
Market leader Reliance Jio has emerged as the most aggressive bidder, followed by second ranked Bharti Airtel, with cash strapped
bidding for 5G airwaves in its priority circles. New entrant Adani Data Networks is said to have bid for 5G airwaves in the 26 GHz band to be used for its captive private networks.
The auctions over the last few days was driven by intense bidding for 1800 MHz airwaves in the key Uttar Pradesh (East) market. The per unit price of 1800 MHz spectrum in UP-East circle jumped to Rs 160.57 crore — almost 76.5% higher than its Rs 91 crore per MHz base price. The current auction price for 1800 MHz in the circle is also well above the Rs 153-crore per MHz base price of the March 2021 sale.
Shares of
Industries – Jio’s parent – were up 2.3 % to Rs 2566.80 on BSE in Monday afternoon trade. Bharti Airtel and Vi shares were up 1.4% and 2.5% to Rs 687.20 and Rs 8.99 respectively. Shares of too were up 2.5% to Rs 2,632.65 on the exchange.
Analysts estimated that Jio’s aggregate spectrum buys is upward of Rs 84,500 crore, while Airtel’s were estimated above Rs 46,500 crore. Vodafone Idea’s spends are pegged over Rs 18,500 crore, while Adani is said to have spent Rs800-900 crore.
