Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio’s network strategy post auction, Telecom News, ET Telecom

NEW DELHI: The two-day 4G spectrum auction which concluded on 2 March witnessed lukewarm participation of telecom operators barring Reliance Jio which spent Rs 5,77,123 crore to acquire spectrum across 22 circles in the 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz bands.

Jio became the largest buyer of airwaves in the spectrum auction increased its spectrum holdings by 55% to 1,717 MHz (uplink+ downlink). It now has the highest amount of sub-GHz spectrum with 2X10 MHz contiguous spectrum in most circles.

The telco also has at least 2X10 MHz in 1800 MHz band and 40 MHz in 2300 MHz band in each of the 22 circles.

Compared to Jio, rival Airtel has acquired 355.45 MHz spectrum across sub GHz, mid band and 2300 MHz bands for Rs 18,699 crore and Vodafone Idea , the least aggressive player in the 4G auctions has acquired airwaves in 5 circles for Rs 1,993.40 crore.

Going forward, this is how the three largest telecom operators plan to shore up new subscribers and expand networks as developments in the 5G space gain momentum: