The spectrum auction has completed its 5th day with 7 clock rounds of bidding bringing the total to 31 rounds. It is projected that the total bid amount crossed Rs.94,000 Crore today surpassing the 86,000 Crore target set by the government. By the end of the 31st round, there were no fresh bids for the 2100MHz spectrum. In the 1800 MHz band, there was surplus demand only in Kolkata circle. v. Demand for 800MHz in Assam, Delhi and North East continues to remain steady.
Also read: Spectrum auction 2015 Day 1 report, Spectrum auction 2015 Day 2, Spectrum auction Day 3 report, spectrum r5port Day 4
From the current figures, it looks like the Government’s expectations of crossing 1 Lac Crore rupees revenue from the auction will be completed by tomorrow or day after. The focus of the operators seems to be on retaining their existing 2G spectrum rather than gaining fresh 3G spectrum which is indicated by no fresh bids in the 2100MHz band while steady demand in 900 MHz band. The 1800MHz band seems to have steadied out as well. In the 800 MHz band Docomo seems to be bidding in the circles of Mumbai, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh where its existing 800MHz spectrum is expiring in 2018. Besides Docomo, Rcom and Rjio are also bidding for spectrum in 800MHz band. We may just see a renewed interest in 2100MHz band once the 800, 900 and 1800 MHz bands have been decided upon before the close of the auction process.
Keep reading TT for more updates on the auction process.
