51,236 MHz, or 71%, of the 72,098 MHz of spectrum offered across 10 bands, were sold in the 5G spectrum auction. Reliance Jio, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, became the highest bidder for the 5G spectrum on Monday, paying 88,078 crore to buy over half of the airwaves offered in the most recent auction.
Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw claims that the Adani group paid 212 crores for 400 MHz, or less than 1% of all spectrum sold.
While Jio purchased spectrum across several bands, including the coveted 700 MHz band, which can provide 6-10 km of signal range and serves as a good foundation for fifth generation (5G) in all 22 circles in the country, Adani Group purchased spectrum in the 26 GHz band, which is not for public networks.
If 700 Mhz is used, a single towner can cover a larger area.
Bharti Airtel, owned by telecom mogul Sunil Bharti Mittal, paid 43,084 crores for a 19,867 MHz airwave that spans multiple bands.
Spectrum was purchased by Vodafone Idea Ltd for $18,784 crore.
In all, ₹ 150,173 crore of bids were received, Vaishnaw said.
Of the 72,098 MHz of spectrum offered across 10 bands, 51,236 MHz, or 71 per cent, was sold
According to him, the government will receive a payment of 13,365 crore in the first year for the spectrum.
He added that the 5G services might debut in October.
