Day 4 of 5G Spectrum Auction 2022 ended with seven clock rounds, bringing the total number of clock rounds to 23. We’ve also seen demand for 1800 MHz in a few circles that further boosted the auction. In this story, let’s delve deeper into the finer details of the 1800 MHz band and why telcos bid on ether in this band.
1800 MHz band:
The 1800 MHz band is a paired spectrum and FDD is implemented on it where downlink and uplink transmissions are sent on separate frequencies. We have already discussed what paired spectrum is, and you can refer to the earlier story. The size of the spectrum block auctioned in this band is 0.2 MHz.
1800 MHz spectrum in the revival package for BSNL:
As part of the revival package, BSNL will also be assigned administrative Spectrum in the 1800 MHz band to deliver high-speed data over their extensive network, including in rural areas.
The 1800 MHz is considered an optimal band for EDGE data services during the 2G era. However, after the transition to 4G/LTE services, this band will come in handy for the coverage and capacity of the telcos.
The 1800 MHz band spectrum positions of Airtel, Jio and Vodafone Idea:
Highest property of an individual telco across circuits in 1800 MHz:
Airtel: Of all the circles of airtel, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the category A circle has the highest spectrum at 21.4MHz in the 1800MHz band.
Jio: Of all the circles of Jio, West Bengal, the Category B circle has the highest spectrum at 10.6MHz in the 1800MHz band.
Vodafone Idea: Of all the circles of Vodafone Idea, North East, Category C circle, owns the highest spectrum of 25.8 MHz in the 1800 MHz band.
Let’s take a look at some circles and compare the spectrum positions of Airtel, Jio and Vodafone Idea on the 1800MHz band.
1. Andhra Pradesh: Vodafone Idea has the least amount of spectrum, which is 6.6MHz, of the three telcos.
2. Gujarat: Both Airtel and Jio have the least quantum of the spectrum with 10 MHz each in this circle.
3. Himachal Pradesh: Jio has the least quantum of the spectrum at 10.4MHz of the three telcos.
4. Kolkata: Both Airtel and Jio have the least quantum of the spectrum with 10 MHz each in this circle.
5/6/7/8. Madhya Pradesh/Maharashtra & Goa/Mumbai/Odisha: Jio has the least quantum of the spectrum with 10MHz each in these circles between the three telcos.
9. Rajasthan: All three telcos have the same quantum of the spectrum i.e. 10 MHz in this circle.
10. Uttar Pradesh East: The circle that is all over the news for the traction of bidding in the 1800MHz band.
Jio and Vodafone Idea have the same and least quantum of the spectrum, which is 10 MHz each in this circle.
The total spectrum of Airtel’s 1800MHz band is 303.25MHz, Jio is 221MHz and Vodafone Idea is 348MHz.
Jio has the least amount of spectrum in the 1800 MHz band.
For specific details, such as spectrum expiration years, spectrum quantum, and bands in circles, see the: Spectrum Sheet.
