Jio Consolidates Leadership with New 1800 MHz Spectrum Acquisition

On June 26, 2024, Reliance Jio, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, India’s largest digital services provider, acquired more spectrum in the 1800 MHz band for the Bihar and West Bengal regions during the Department of Telecommunications’ Spectrum Auction.

With this new acquisition, Jio has expanded its 1800 MHz band spectrum in these two areas, increasing its total spectrum footprint to 26,801 MHz (uplink + downlink). This move strengthens Jio’s leadership position in the market. Jio has deployed the most significant spectrum across India using advanced technologies like 4G and 5G. The additional spectrum will help meet regional demands and ensure its network’s highest quality customer experience.

Jio is the only operator in India with access to low-band, mid-band, and high-band spectrum (700 MHz, 3300 MHz, and 26GHz), giving it a unique advantage in providing an excellent 5G experience to its customers.

Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, Shri Akash M Ambani, said, “We have already demonstrated our commitment to the Digital India Vision by rolling out one of the world’s fastest and widest Stand Alone 5G networks within 12 months of allotment of spectrum. This new spectrum acquisition will continue to enable us to serve the aspirations of the new India in terms of growing traffic demands and superior customer experience, which is no longer limited to only urban markets. We want every Indian to enjoy the transformational benefits of Jio’s next generation of digital solutions.”

Key Highlights of Jio’s Spectrum Acquisition

In the recent spectrum auction, Jio acquired a technology-agnostic spectrum in the 1800 MHz band for 20 years. The details for each circle are as follows:

• In Bihar, Jio obtained 5.0 MHz (paired) for ₹420.25 crore.
• In West Bengal, Jio acquired 9.4 MHz (paired) for ₹553.38 crore.

The total acquisition amounts to 14.4 MHz at a combined cost of ₹973.63 crore. These figures are provisional and pending confirmation from the Department of Telecommunications (DOT).

About Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited

Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, a part of Jio Platforms Limited, has created a cutting-edge all-IP network using 4G LTE and 5G technologies. Jio has revolutionised the digital services sector in India, helping to achieve the vision of Digital India for 1.4 billion people and positioning India as a global leader in the digital economy.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.