Key priorities for the telecom sector post 5G Spectrum auctions

India has successfully concluded the 5G spectrum auctions on 1st August 2022 with 51,236 Mhz (71%) of the 72,098 Mhz offered for bidding. In year one, government is expected to receive approximately INR 13,500 crores of the INR 1.5 Lakh crores bid value. The 5G spectrum auction has been a success not only for the government but also for the operators. With the reforms introduced by the government in September 2021, operators will also save annually on the spectrum usage charges (SUC) in the range of 500 crore to 2,000 crore (varies by operator, current charges and overlap of new charges over the life of the spectrum). The active participation in the mmWave (26 GHz band) have helped reduce the outflow in this auction as well.