Reliance Jio the new entrant in the telecom space has announced its acquisition of a fresh 269.2 MHz of airwaves across the 850/1800/2300 MHz bands and has perhaps emerged to be the only operator which managed to bag some spectrum in either of the bands in all 22 circles in the recently concluded auction. With this, the operator has emerged to be the largest holder of liberalised spectrum in the country.
RJIL has renewed its expiring spectrum in 850 MHz band in Gujarat circle and purchased additional spectrum in the 850 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz bands at 6.5% premium to reserve price. Through this acquisition, RJIL’s total spectrum footprint has increased to 1,108 MHz (UL+DL) with an average life of over 16 years. Thus making it the largest holder of liberalised spectrum pan India.
| 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 |
Shri Mukesh D Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Industries said “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.”
RJIL’s spectrum footprint ensures availability of spectrum in all the three bands across the country and enhances its network capacity at negligible incremental capital and operating expenditure. The payment to be made for the right to use of this technology agnostic spectrum for a period of 20 years is Rs. 13,672 crore.
