February 19, 2021
Telecom operators have deposited their Earnest Money Deposits (EMDs) for the upcoming spectrum auctions, the Department of Telecommunications announced on Thursday. The auction is for spectrum in the bands of 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHZ. and 2500 MHz, according to the department. Jio has provided the highest EMD, at Rs 10,000 crores, almost triple the amount of its two competitors (Airtel and Vi) put together.
The Economic Times reported that this is partly due to the Reliance Industries-owned telco needing to renew existing spectrum. These three telcos are now pre-qualified to bid next month. BSNL is not expected to participate in the upcoming auction, as it has not placed an EMD.