With the fourth day of spectrum auction bidding complete, The Government received bids over Rs 53,000 crore from the eight participating telecom operators. As per sources, the demand for spectrum in the metros, especially Delhi, surged significantly.
As per data available, at the end of day four bids over Rs 53,000 crore were received after 28 rounds of bidding were completed. Bids were received in all 22 circles in 1800 mega hertz (MGz) band and in all 3 circles in 900 MHz band. The auction of spectrum that is used by 2G operators for carrying voice and data yesterday surpassed the landmarks achieved in the two previous auctions.
Eight companies including Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio Infocomm ltd, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone are competing for two bandwidth slots 900 MHz and 1,800 MHz offered in the third spectrum auction within 15 months. Officials said bidding for 1,800 MHz will pick up once demand for the premium 900 MHz tapers. This premium spectrum is in short supply and is being auctioned in just three cities, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata markets.