Reliance Jio: As per latest telco spectrum data collated by Axis Capital, Airtel’s sub-GHz spectrum holdings in 800, 900 MHz bands are significantly lower at 176 MHz compared to Jio’s 445 MHz. Jio’s sub-GHz spectrum holdings are larger than Airtel and Vi as it is the only telco with pan-India 700 MHz airwaves apart from nationwide 800 MHz spectrum. Vodafone Idea s (Vi) sub-GHz spectrum holding (900 MHz band only) is at 141.2 MHz.
Bharti Airtel is expected to increase its sub-GHz airwave holdings in the 900 MHz band across multiple circles in the upcoming spectrum auction, potentially becoming the top buyer despite Reliance Jio submitting the highest earnest money deposit (EMD). Airtel aims to bolster its rural mobile broadband coverage by enhancing its low-band airwaves arsenal. While Jio leads in sub-GHz spectrum holdings, Airtel s recent focus on rural expansion and improved financial position suggests significant investments in 900 MHz spectrum across 12 circles.
Jio aims to achieve pan-India coverage for AirFiber in the first half of 2024. Rival Bharti Airtel, too, plans to expand its wireless high-speed broadband services beyond 25 cities
Bharti Airtel: The modest EMDs, this time round, signal the prospect of selective bidding in the upcoming sale and the government selling at most 21% of the nearly Rs 97,000 crore (around $12 billion) worth of 5G airwaves on offer, analysts added.
India s top telcos submit low earnest money deposits (EMDs) for the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, marking the lowest since 2014. Analysts suggest selective bidding, foreseeing maximum spectrum demand of $2.5 billion, far below previous auctions. Reliance Jio leads EMDs; Airtel and Vi likely focus on renewals and selective bidding for 5G rollout.