DoT gets Rs.2,307 cr from Jio, Airtel by assigning some spectrum immediately

Department of Telecom on Friday successfully completed the assignment of frequencies to successful bidders of the Spectrum Auction, 2021. Frequency assignment letters were issued to successful bidders today. The frequency assignment was accompanied by a frequency harmonization exercise, whereby spectrum blocks assigned to Telecom Service Providers, TSPs in the current spectrum auction have been made contiguous with the spectrum blocks already held by them, wherever possible, in various bands in different Licensed Service Areas, LSAs.

 

The harmonization of spectrum was accomplished 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 harmonization exercise facilitates more efficient utilization of spectrum held by TSPs, leading to improved Quality of Service for consumers.

 

As a part of the frequency assignment, the Government has



also accepted the request of two TSPs, M/S Bharti and M/S Reliance Jio, for assignment of immediately available unsold spectrum blocks in place of spectrum blocks in the same band and LSA assigned to them from later dates. An amount of nearly 2307 crore rupees has been received immediately by the Government.

 

It may be recalled that 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 Telecom Service Providers in the Spectrum Auction, 2021, conducted on 1st and 2nd March, this year. 

The total amount payable by the successful bidders for the total quantity of spectrum acquired is over 77 thousand 820 crore rupees. Of this, over 21 thousand 918 crore rupees was received as upfront payment from the TSPs on 18th March this year as per terms and conditions of the Notice Inviting Applications.