Adani Data Networks, Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea join 5G bidding race

New Delhi: Adani Group subsidiary Adani Data Networks, Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) have applied to participate in the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, according to a notification by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

The pre-qualification of bidders will take place on July 18 and the final list of bidders will be declared on July 20. A total of 72,097.85 MHz of spectrum worth at least Rs 4.3 lakh crore will be put on the block during the auction, set to commence on July 26, 2022. With the entry of Adani Data Networks, the bidding is likely to be aggressive.

Last week, while confirming its participation in the 5G auctions, the Adani Group had said, that it has no intention to be in the consumer mobility market, and is participating in the auction to provide private network solutions along with enhanced cyber security in the airport, ports & logistics, power generation, transmission, distribution, and various manufacturing operation.

According to its filing with the DoT, the Adani group has a net worth of Rs 248.35 crore. Bharti Airtel's net worth as of March 31 is Rs 75, 887 crore with a paid up capital at Rs 2,795 crore while Reliance Jio's net worth is Rs 1,97,790 crore, and paid up capital stands at Rs 1,54,125. Loss making Vodafone Idea has a negative net worth of Rs 80, 918 crore with paid up capital of Rs 32,119 crore.

Reliance Jio Infocomm and Bharti Airtel are expected to bid for 5G spectrum worth Rs 55,000-60,000 crore and Rs 45,000-50,000 crore, respectively, in the airwaves sale starting from July 26, according to analysts and industry estimates.

The auction will be held for spectrum in various low (600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz), mid (3300 MHz) and high (26 GHz) frequency bands.

Applicants have time till July 19 to withdraw their applications.