Here’s why 4G spectrum auction is more important for Reliance Jio Infocomm than Airtel and Vodafone Idea

KOLKATA: The upcoming 4G spectrum auctions are more critical for Reliance Jio Infocomm than for its nearest rivals, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea. That’s since a sizeable chunk of Reliance Communications’ 4G airwaves in the coveted 800 Mhz band—that the Mukesh Ambani-led telco uses under a sharing pact—will expire in 18 circles in July-August 2021, analysts said.

They added that Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea will also need to buy back their expiring airwaves in eight circles each, but mostly in the less expensive 1800 MHz band, also used for 4G.

Such a scenario leaves Jio facing a similar situation that Bharti Airtel, erstwhile Vodafone India and Idea Cellular (now merged into Vodafone Idea) had found themselves in during the February 2014 and March 2015 auctions when they had to buy back their own expiring spectrum in the 900 Mhz band