The first day of India's second 5G spectrum auction saw bids totaling about Rs 11,260 crore across five rounds. Bidding activity was particularly strong for the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands, with offers exceeding the base prices in multiple telecom circles. While around 90% of the auction activity was completed on the first day, there is a possibility that the auction could extend into a second day or more, as seen in the previous auction in July 2022, which lasted seven days despite initial expectations of a shorter duration.
Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) are actively bidding in regions where their spectrum licenses are set to expire this year. Notably, bids for the 1800 MHz band exceeded the reserve price in Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and UP-East. Similarly, bids for the 900 MHz band were higher than the base price in Punjab, Rajasthan, UP-East, and West Bengal, and for the 2100 MHz band in Assam, J&K, and the Northeast.
The government has put up 10.5 GHz of 5G airwaves for sale, valued at Rs 96,238.45 crore at reserve prices. Bharti Airtel is seeking to renew its licenses in six circles: J&K, Odisha, Bihar, UP-East, West Bengal, and Assam. Vi is looking to renew its permits in UP-West (900 MHz) and West Bengal (1800 MHz).
The auction will resume today, with expectations that it might conclude soon if the current bidding trends continue.
