The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has assigned spectrum frequencies to effective bidders of the lately concluded auction.
The assignment was accompanied by a frequency harmonisation workout, whereby spectrum blocks assigned to telecom operators in the existing auction have been produced contiguous with the spectrum blocks currently held by them, wherever doable, in a variety of bands in diverse licensed service regions (LSAs).
The harmonisation of spectrum was achieved in 19 LSAs in 800 MHz band, 8 LSAs in 900 MHz band, 21 LSAs in 1800 MHz band, 3 LSAs in 2100 MHz band, and 16 LSAs in 2300 MHz band. The harmonisation workout facilitates more effective utilisation of spectrum held by TSPs, major to enhanced excellent of service for customers.
As a aspect of the frequency assignment, the DoT has also accepted request of Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, for assignment of promptly offered unsold spectrum blocks in location of spectrum blocks in the identical band and LSA assigned to them from later dates. Both the providers have paid Rs 2,306.97 crore (Rs 157.38 crore from Bharti and Rs 2,149.59 crore from Jio) to DoT promptly, rather than in August/ September, 2021.
A total quantity of 855.60 MHz of spectrum in 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2300 MHz bands was acquired by 3 telcos in the auction, which lasted for two days on March 1 and 2. The total quantity payable by the effective bidders for the total quantity of spectrum acquired is Rs 77,820.81 crore. Of this, an quantity of Rs 21,918.47 crore was received as upfront payment from the telcos on March 18, 2021, as per terms and situations of the notice inviting applications.