Debutant Reliance Jio announced that it has bought 269.2 MHz (UL+DL) spectrum at the recently concluded spectrum auction conducted by the government-run Department of Telecommunication (DoT).
The company also renewed its expiring spectrum in 800 MHz band in Gujarat circle and purchased additional spectrum in the 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz bands for Rs. 13,672 crore.
"We have expanded our spectrum footprint thereby significantly enhancing capacity of our all-IP data strong network and ensuring world class services for all Indians. Jio is committed to taking India to global digital leadership by bringing the power of data to all Indians," Mukesh D Ambani, chairman, Reliance Industries, said in a statement.
Since the new acquisition of spectrum is spread across all the 22 service regions of India, Reliance Jio users can look forward to better call quality, reduction in call drops and faster internet services in the coming days.
Ever since Reliance Jio made its debut with a trial offer in July, leading network carrier Airtel has been fiercely releasing promotional offers including reduction of 3G/4G data packs and lucrative deals on international roaming including free internet and unlimited ISD calls. It is also aggressively expanding its 4G coverage in more states in India.
The latest purchase of spectrum from Reliance Jio is expected to further intensify the competition among incumbent players.
Here is the breakdown of Reliance Jio's newly acquired spectrum range and cost details:
Service Area |
800 MHz band (Paired) |
1800 MHz band (Paired) |
2300 MHz band (Unpaired) |
Andhra Pradesh |
- |
- |
10.00 |
Assam |
- |
- |
10.00 |
Bihar |
- |
5.00 |
10.00 |
Delhi |
- |
- |
10.00 |
Gujarat |
5.00 |
- |
10.00 |
Haryana |
- |
1.00 |
- |
Himachal Pradesh |
- |
5.00 |
10.00 |
Jammu & Kashmir |
- |
10.00 |
- |
Karnataka |
- |
- |
10.00 |
Kerala |
- |
- |
10.00 |
Kolkata |
- |
- |
10.00 |
Madhya Pradesh |
- |
- |
10.00 |
Maharashtra |
- |
- |
10.00 |
Mumbai |
- |
- |
10.00 |
North East |
- |
- |
10.00 |
Odisha |
- |
- |
10.00 |
Punjab |
3.75 |
5.20 |
- |
Rajasthan |
5.00 |
- |
- |
Tamil Nadu |
- |
- |
10.00 |
Uttar Pradesh (East) |
1.25 |
3.40 |
- |
Uttar Pradesh (West) |
- |
5.00 |
- |
West Bengal |
- |
5.00 |
10.00 |
Total |
15.00 |
39.60 |
160.00 |
(Amount in Rs. crore)
Frequency Band | Total Payment |
800 MHz | 3,623 |
1800 MHz | 2,154 |
2300 MHz | 7,895 |
Total | 13,672 |