Telcos split over timing of 4G spectrum auction

Mumbai: Telcos are split over when 4G spectrum auctions should be held. While Reliance Jio is pushing hard for the bidding to take place at the earliest, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) are in no hurry and would like the sale process to take place in 2021.

Jio, the only profit-making operator whose parent Jio Platforms recently raised over Rs 1.52 lakh crore, has a large chunk of airwaves permits expiring in its key 800 MHz band in 2021. It also needs more spectrum to cater to its rapidly increasing subscriber base who are consuming more and more data. Financially weaker Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, faced with thousands of crores of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues, too have spectrum permits ending around the same time, but in lesser quantities and have backup airwaves available, say experts.