spectrum auction ends in 2 days, fetches Rs 11,000 crore
India Business News: The latest spectrum auction in India concluded within two days, generating revenue of Rs 11,341 crore. Bharti Airtel emerged as the top buyer, acquiring nearly 60% of the spectrum sold. The auction saw limited participation with only a quarter of the offered spectrum being sold. Despite falling short of the government's estimated revenue, telecom companies like Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, and Reliance Jio actively participated in acquiring spectrum for enhanced services and coverage. Key Points
Times Of Indiaspectrum auction worth RS 96k crore to start on May 20
Government will auction spectrum worth Rs 96,318 crore, at reserve price, from May 20, giving an opportunity to mobile operators to beef up their airwave holdings to support the strong growth in data consumption. Department of telecom (DoT) on Friday issues a notice inviting applications (NIA) for the sale which govt now wants to make an annual affair to enable companies have access to the scarce resource. Key Points
Times Of Indiaspectrum auction for radio frequencies worth Rs 96k crore to start on May 20
New Delhi, Mar 8 (PTI) The upcoming spectrum auction for mobile services will start on May 20, according to a notice inviting applications released by the Department of Telecom on Friday. The government will auction eight spectrum bands for mobile phone services at a base price of Rs 96,317.65 crore. Spectrum, held by certain companies […] Key Points
ThePrintspectrum auction for eight bands to start from May 20: DoT notice
The Department of Telecom announced that the upcoming spectrum auction is scheduled to commence on May 20. The auction will include eight spectrum bands for mobile phone services, with a base price of Rs 96,317.65 crore. It encompasses spectrum from companies in insolvency proceedings and expiring frequencies. The Union Cabinet had approved these auctions in February, allowing interim allocations to telecom operators. Key Points
Economic TimesDoT working on norms for satcom spectrum allocation
Terms and conditions in the licence will make it clear that spectrum taken administratively can't be used to serve retail mobile consumers, an official said. The DoT is expected to shortly write to Trai to provide the details on what terms and conditions should be incorporated in the licence. Key Points
Economic Times
spectrum worth ₹5.45 lakh cr may be freed for 5G-6G
Telecom operators anticipate increased demand for spectrum with the wider adoption of 5G technology. To meet this demand, refarming of spectrum is necessary to ensure an adequate supply for 5G and 6G use. Key Points
Economic TimesCentre likely to achieve ₹1.2 lakh crore revenue target from telecom sector
The government is expected to achieve its revenue target of ₹1.2 lakh crore from the telecom sector in the next financial year, even without a major spectrum auction. The increasing financial health of the telecom sector, resulting in higher licence fees and spectrum charges, along with significant payments from state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) for its 5G spectrum, is anticipated to contribute to the revenue goal. While a spectrum auction is planned, the response is predicted to be subdued as operators acquired sufficient airwaves in the August 2022 sale to meet their 5G requirements. Key Points
Economic TimesAirtel prepays ₹8,024 cr in spectrum fees
India’s No. 2 telecom services provider said the advance payments would help it save costs. Key Points
mintSensex Today | Share Market Live Updates: Sensex, Nifty set to gain at start; Gift Nifty trades in green
Sensex Today | Share Market Updates: The Indian stock market is expected to jump at the start as Gift Nifty is trading significantly higher amidst positive global cues. Wall Street rallies on hopes the Federal Reserve’s rate hikes are done. Most Asian markets are trading in the green. Key Points
MintElon Musk versus Ambani: Looking down the great divide in India's telecom industry
India's telecom industry is divided over the allocation of satellite spectrum for satellite communication services. Companies like Reliance Jio, Starlink, Amazon, OneWeb, and Tata-Telesat are working on delivering broadband services through satellite constellations. Key Points
Economic Times
Vi tells DoT it will pay Rs 1,680 cr 2nd 5G spectrum instalment by using 30-day grace period option
Vodafone Idea (Vi) has informed the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) that it plans to pay the second instalment of Rs 1,680 crore for 5G spectrum purchased in last year's auction by utilising the 30-day grace period option available under the 5G spectrum sale rules. The company had earlier purchased 5G airwaves worth Rs 18,799 crore and opted to clear its dues to the government in 20 equal instalments. Key Points
Economic TimesReliance Jio Infocomm to pay ₹7,864 crore 5G instalment this week
The Mukesh Ambani-led telecom market leader was the largest 5G spectrum buyer in the July 2022 auction, acquiring airwaves worth ₹88,078 crore, including those in the coveted 700 MHz band. The deadline for the second instalment payment for 5G spectrum acquired is August 17, and Jio will definitely pay on time, a person aware of the matter told ET. Key Points
Economic TimesAuction not best method to allocate satellite spectrum: Mukul Rohatgi
Broadband India Forum (BIF) had sought Rohatgis views on whether the law requires that the only way to allocate satellite spectrum is auction. He replied, “No.” BIF also asked whether allocation of satellite spectrum for space-based communication services through a non-auction, administrative route, be permissible in law. Rohatgi said, “Yes.” ET has seen a copy of the 18-page legal opinion. Key Points
Economic TimesWar of billionaires: Musk, Tata, Mittal & Amazon on one side, Ambani on other for satellite spectrum
Elon Musk wants his Starlink to beam down wireless internet in India from satellites orbiting the earth, but the licensing regime his group favours has put him at odds with Mukesh Ambani's Reliance. But Starlink wants India to just assign a license for the service and not insist on auctioning the signal-carrying spectrum or airwaves. This stand finds Musk on the side of Tatas, Sunil Bharti Mittal's firm, and Amazon, who too prefer the same route. Key Points
Economic TimesSia says she's on the autism spectrum. Here are some subtle signs of autism, which is often misdiagnosed in women and girls.
On "Rob Has a Podcast," Sia told Survivor's Carolyn Wiger she's "on the spectrum." Difficulty processing even positive experiences can be a sign. Key Points
Insider
DoT, Industry on opposite ends of satellite spectrum
Telecom operators Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea are backing DoT, while Bharti Enterprise-backed satcom firm OneWeb has joined the rest of the industry to demand administrative allocation of satellite spectrum. Satellite spectrum has no territorial limits, is a shared resource, and is international in character with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) managing and coordinating its usage, and hence it can't be auctioned, industry body Indian Space Association (ISpA) said on Wednesday. Key Points
Economic TimesDoT makes plans for next round of 5G auction in January-February 2024
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is expected to hold another auction of 5G spectrum in January-February 2023, with a total worth of ₹2.5 lakh crore at base price. The auction is likely to include airwaves in 11 bands from 600 MHz up to above 37 GHz, including millimetre wave (mmWave) bands which may be put up for sale for the first time. Experts predict that the auction will have limited bidding intensity, with only Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel expected to be in the fray, while Vodafone Idea struggles to survive. Key Points
Economic TimesDoT to allocate 10 MHz spectrum in 806-824 Mhz band to MHA for communication needs
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has allotted 10 MHz spectrum from the 806-824 MHz band to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for its connectivity needs. The MHA requires the spectrum for walkie-talkie operations and an exclusive captive mobile network. The DoT has decided to reserve the 806-816 MHz band for the MHA as it is a non-IMT band, and thus could not be put to auction. Key Points
Economic TimesFrom Musk to Mittal, Ambani to Amazon: Why such a big race for satcom?
Internet communication in India has a new battleground called satcom, different from regular networks. Indian and foreign firms compete for satellite spectrum to access the internet. Disagreements on spectrum allocation methods divide the industry: some prefer government allocation, others auctions. The competition is intense due to more players, including foreign giants like Elon Musk's Starlink and Amazon, unlike the limited private telecom market with Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea. Key Points
Economic TimesCabinet approves telecom spectrum auctions at base price of Rs 96,317.65 crore
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the auctioning of spectrum in eight different bands for mobile phone services. The base price for this auction is set at Rs 96,317.65 crore. These bands include 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz, and 26 GHz frequencies. The spectrum will be available for a validity period of 20 years, and a total of 10,523.15 MHz is being offered for auction, with an estimated value of Rs. 96,317.65 crore, according to an official statement. Key Points
Economic Times
Trai recommendation on satcom spectrum, other subjects after chairperson appointment
Trai is also working on several key subjects including framework for allocation of spectrum in E and V bands where telecom players and internet companies have been at loggerheads over methods to allocate spectrum. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India will issue its recommendation on satellite spectrum allocation methodology and other pending matters after the appointment of a regular chairperson, an official source said. Key Points
The Tribune IndiaDoT to vacate some broadcasting, satellite spectrum for 5G, 6G
Another official said that the existing satellite TV reception users can be accommodated in the 4,000-4,200 MHz band and the rest of the spectrum in that band can be used for 5G and later for 6G. The Wireless Planning Coordination wing of the DoT is working on freeing the mid-band spectrum and identifying more bands for international mobile telecommunications (IMT) usage. Key Points
Economic TimesDoT may not include 600 MHz band in its next spectrum sale
The DoT plans to conduct the next spectrum sale in March as permits of Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) expire in 2024 in some circles such as West Bengal, Assam, Bihar and Odisha. The auction is unlikely to see heavy bidding as 5G spectrum needs have been met for the time being. Key Points
Economic TimesVodafone Idea plans to clear about Rs 2,400 cr dues by September
Vodafone Idea plans to clear about Rs 2,400 crore of dues to the government by September, sources privy to the development said. Vodafone Idea had to pay a licence fee of around Rs 770 crore by July and Rs 1,680 crore as the first instalment for the spectrum it purchased in auctions that were held last year. Key Points
Economic TimesIn relief for Vi & Adani, DoT mulls waiving 5G minimum rollout fine
While Vodafone Idea had bought spectrum in the 26 GHz band as well as in the mid-band (3300-3600 MHz), Adani bought airwaves only in the 26 GHz band. Vodafone Idea bought mid-band spectrum in 17 circles and 26 GHz airwaves in 16 circles whereas Adani bought spectrum in six circles. Key Points
Economic Times
Love on the spectrum US Season 2: Here’s what we know about release date, time, what is it, episode count,
Love on the spectrum US season 2, the American counterpart of the Australian reality hit, is set for a Netflix debut on January 19, 2024, at 12:00 a.m. PT/3:00 a.m. ET. With seven episodes, it features returning and new cast members, extending the exploration of love within the autism spectrum. Key Points
Economic TimesAirtel versus Jio: More shots fired in the satcom space battle
Airtel and Jio stand sharply divided on various issues related to satcom and have battled each other over complexities that surround satcom. The rivalry between the two biggies, with other satcom players also divided sharply, continues. A few days ago, they locked horns over the usage and price of satcom. Key Points
Economic TimesView: Telecom connections just got better
The Telecommunications Bill 2023 is seen as a positive step, particularly for satellite services, as it introduces the provision for administrative assignment of spectrum, aligning with global practices. The shift away from spectrum auctions for satellite services is observed in countries like the US, Brazil, Australia, Germany, Britain, and Taiwan. Key Points
The Economic TimesJio urges Centre, Trai to ensure adequate spectrum for telcos
The government plans to auction 10.5 GHz of 5G spectrum in eight bands - 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz and 26 GHz. The airwaves are worth ₹96,317.65 crore at reserve price. Sub-GHz airwaves in the coveted 700/600 MHz bands, though, are not on offer this time. Jio's Oommen also called on the government to expedite steps to prevent rampant fibre cuts and penalise those responsible, warning that vital telecom infrastructure was getting destroyed nationally. Key Points
Economic TimesTelcos to spend less on 5G spectrum in next auction : Crisil
Indias top telcos are likely to spend less on 5G airwaves in the next auction compared to the last one in July 2022 as they have adequate spectrum holdings, ratings agency Crisil said. The government had mopped up over Rs 1.5 lakh-crore from Indias first auction of 5G spectrum last year, selling around 71% of the over 72 GHz of airwaves it put on the table. Key Points
Economic Times
A 4G boost for struggling Vodafone Idea as extra waves freed in key band
The Department of Space allocated an additional 20 MHz spectrum in the 2500 MHz band for mobility, aiding Vodafone Idea (Vi) by offering a contiguous block for better 4G services. The harmonisation facilitates future auctions, which could attract interests from operators like Vi or BSNL for the enhanced spectrum portfolio. Key Points
Economic TimesFrom ₹6,000 crore fishery scheme to telecom spectrum auction, key decisions by Union Cabinet today
The Union Cabinet extended the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund for another three years and approved the auction of telecom spectrum bands at a base price of ₹96,317.65 crore. Key Points
mintspectrum Talent Management IPO: Issue fully subscribed on Day 2; check details
Spectrum Talent Management's initial public offering (IPO) was subscribed 1.05 times on Day 2, with bids received for 60,88,000 shares against 6,077,600 shares on offer. The price band for the offering is set at ₹169 to ₹173 per share. Key Points
mintU.S. OKs spectrum use for vehicle crash prevention technology
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Monday approved a request by U.S. state agencies, some automakers, universities and others to use spectrum to deploy connected vehicle technology to prevent crashes, especially at intersections. Key Points
ReutersDoT slashes auction target, but revenue receipts to be robust
The department of telecommunications (DoT) has significantly reduced the spectrum auction revenue target for FY24 to ₹500 crore from ₹5,000 crore. However, the department still expects to generate ₹85,000 crore in revenue receipts this fiscal. The upcoming auction in March is likely to draw bids from Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) for renewing their airwaves, with a total sale expected to fetch around ₹2,000-₹3,000 crore. This would mark a decline from the record ₹1.5 lakh crore the government earned from the last 5G auction in August 2022. Key Points
Economic Times
5G rollout: Why DoT has penalised Vodafone and Adani Networks
Learn why Vodafone Idea and Adani Data Networks have been penalized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for failing to meet 5G rollout obligations. Find out the reasons for the delay and the potential fines they may face. Key Points
Times Of IndiaSatellite communication not a threat to telcos, says Bharti Airtel managing director Gopal Vittal
Satellite communication, commonly called satcom, is not a threat to telecom operators as the services will be complimentary and the pricing will always be at a premium to mobile. Bharti Airtel managing director Gopal Vittal explains the benefits of satellite services and the impact of the new telecom bill. Key Points
Economic TimesDoT decides to auction all unsold airwaves, again
The Department of Telecommunications in India has decided to put unsold airwaves worth approximately ₹2.65 lakh crore on sale again at the same base prices as last year's auction. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) declined to provide a fresh reserve price for spectrum bands auctioned in July-August 2022. The next auction is scheduled for January, and no new spectrum bands will be auctioned in this sale. The bands will be auctioned with the same conditions as last year's sale. The DoT wanted to auction the 37 GHz band but will now proceed with a limited sale due to the lack of a reserve price. Key Points
Economic TimesDoT to approach Trai for auction of new spectrum bands this week
The Department of Telecom (DoT) is planning to approach telecom regulator, Trai, this week for the auction of the 37 GHz spectrum band and radio waves of some expired licenses in 2024. The auction, expected to be held in the third quarter of this fiscal, may include the sale of the unsold spectrum in the 600 MHz band. Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea's licenses, which are due to expire in 2024, will also be up for auction. Key Points
Economic TimesEutelsat OneWeb looks to pull ahead of Starlink, Jio in satellite broadband race
Top company officials said Eutelsat OneWeb has received the demo or 'trial' satellite spectrum in both the 'Ka' and 'Ku' bands for a 90-day span via the administrative route at a nominal application fee. To be sure, unlike rival Starlink, which will directly offer retail users satellite internet services, Eutelsat OneWeb will operate purely on a B2B model. Key Points
Economic Times
TDSAT directs DoT to adjust excess Rs 755.52 cr collected from Voda Idea towards statutory dues
“…we hereby direct the respondent (read: Government of India) to adjust Rs 755.52 crore towards liability of this petitioner (read: Vi) for licence fee and towards spectrum usage charges (SUC) within 15 days from today,” the Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) said in an order, dated December 15, 2023. Key Points
Economic TimesVodafone Idea fund raise delay a concern: Vaishnaw
“We will soon resolve the issue regarding satellite spectrum allocation. I believe this should happen within this year,” the minister said. Key Points
FinancialexpressClaims worth Rs 27,328 crore against Vi, erstwhile Voda entities in India under litigation
The pending litigations include a Rs 3,857 crore demand – the highest – raised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on erstwhile Vodafone entities for transfer and merger of licences in India. The second-highest claim of Rs 3,599 crore relates to a one-time spectrum charge (OTSC), also raised by the DoT. Key Points
Economic TimesTrai exploring auction models to 'best' allocate Satcom spectrum
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is analysing three to four auction models for satellite spectrum, including the ones proposed by Elon Musk-owned Starlink and Reliance Jio. As per officials, the regulator will see what could be the best way to allocate spectrum - auction or administrative - after seeing a result of the auction analysis. Key Points
Economic TimesBharti Airtel prepays ₹8,325 crore to clear deferred liabilities for 2015 spectrum acquisition
Bharti Airtel had won spectrum worth ₹29,129.08 crore at the auctions that were held in March 2015. Key Points
mint
Rational with telco tariffs pe tariffs
Telecom is acquiring an economic role as vital as energy, and the government should draw its conclusions from price distortions in the electricity industry that has hobbled private investment. Solutions need to be sought within the judicial constraints on pricing natural resources to allow the industry to grow on its own. Free pricing provides the sole assurance. Key Points
The Economic TimesJio Satcom, OneWeb get internet services licence
Jio Satellite Communications and OneWeb will need access to spectrum to provide services directly on the consumer terminal on which the decision is still pending. Satellite companies have been demanding allocation of spectrum without auction, while Jio and Vodafone Idea have been pushing for spectrum allocation only through auction. Key Points
Economic TimesTelcos set to meet rollout obligations for 26 GHz despite lack of device ecosystem
The companies were earlier considering seeking an extension from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on the deadline to meet roll out obligations. But with the equipment makers assuring of supply of gear, the telcos have decided to set up the radios in all telecom circles to meet the basic roll out conditions. Key Points
Economic TimesNext spectrum auction to be significantly smaller than last one, moving fast on it: Vaishnaw
New Delhi, Feb 1 (PTI) The next spectrum auction will be a “limited auction”, one that is significantly smaller than the previous round, Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Thursday. The government is “moving fast” on it, he asserted. “The spectrum auction will be a limited auction because already a large part of the spectrum […] Key Points
ThePrintDelicence 6 GHz band for WiFi, tech cos write to DoT
Stressing that the entire 6 GHz band should be delicensed for WiFi services, the tech industry has highlighted that enough spectrum in various bands has already been provided for 5G. For future 5G needs, the international telecommunication union (ITU) is deliberating on allocating spectrum in 7-24 GHz bands and in 4800 MHz band. Key Points
Economic Times
Telcos best suited to deploy private 5G networks: Jio, Airtel
I (read: enterprise) need to make sure that I interface with the device manufacturers, I need to know how to run a telco network, I need to provide security and then create an intercom system... So I'm not really sure what they get out of investing all of it to run a private network, Ganesh Lakshminarayanan, chief executive (enterprise business), Bharti Airtel, said during a panel discussion at the ETTelecom 5G Congress 2023 Key Points
Economic TimesChina's electromagnetic warfare game-changer: 'Nowhere to hide' for enemy forces
Chinese researchers unveil groundbreaking technology in electronic warfare, enabling real-time monitoring of the electromagnetic spectrum to expose enemy forces. Developed by a Beijing-based team, this innovation allows swift detection and neutralization of adversary signals while ensuring uninterrupted communication for Chinese military. The technology's significance is emphasized in a peer-reviewed article by project leader Yang Kai. With applications in both military and civilian realms, China's advancement challenges US dominance in the electromagnetic spectrum, showcasing its rapid progress fueled by leading telecommunications industries. Key Points
Economic TimesBharti Airtel rejects Jio view on commercial usage of allocated satcom spectrum
Vodafone Idea (Vi) plans to raise funds via a preferential share issue on April 6, following shareholders' approval of a proposal to raise ₹20,000 crore through equity and equity-linked instruments. The company expects to complete the equity fund raise by the end of June, with promoters expected to infuse around ₹2,000 crore. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia reaches out to multilateral development banks to draw road map for becoming developed nation by 204
The finance ministry held a meeting with multilateral lenders on March 7 and sought their inputs on what it termed a budget-plus and finance-plus strategy, which would essentially cover the entire spectrum of project execution and go beyond just planning and financing, people aware of the details told ET. The ministry has reached out to various multilateral bodies to help mobilise other development finance institutions (DFIs) and investors, they said. Key Points
Economic TimesSlicing up the rainbow: Swetha Sivakumar on food colouring
Price, sheen, response to heat – there’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing natural or synthetic dyes. Plus, how do we see colour really? Find out. Key Points
Hindustan Times
Argentina launches 5G auction in bid to raise over $1 billion
Argentina's government said on Wednesday that it will launch a 5G spectrum auction on Oct. 24 in a bid to raise some $1.05 billion. Key Points
ReutersOneWeb to soon seek trial spectrum to test satellite tech
OneWeb is striving to get the first mover advantage over the likes of Elon Musks Starlink, Jeff Bezosled Amazon and Reliance Jio in the still nascent India satcom market with a high growth potential. EY estimates the countrys space economy to grow to about $13 billion by 2025 from an annual revenue opportunity of around $1 billion now. Key Points
Economic Times