Interest in pricey 700MHz band means enhanced 5G indoor coverage

As India saw a record 5G spectrum auction for 72 GHz (gigahertz) of airwaves at Rs 4.3 lakh crore on day one, analysts said on Wednesday that one of the surprising turns was the attention gained by the 700MHz band, which was left unsold in the last auctions.

The costliest 700 MHz band is ideal for coverage in high-density areas and deep data networks.

According to analysts, this band received bids worth nearly Rs 39,000 crore led by Reliance Jio.

Pulkit Pandey, Principal Analyst, Gartner, told IANS that the interest in the 700 MHz band by the telecom companies “indicates the communications service providers (CSPs) are focusing on enhanced indoor coverage, where the 700 MHz band could play a crucial role”.