4G bands is going to sell like hot cakes in spectrum auction

India's largest spectrum auction, expected to start on September 29th, will most likely see a heavy demand for the 4G bands of 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz, along with 3G bands of 2100 MHz. Out of all the leading telcos, Vodafone India is estimated to be the most aggressive bidder in the sale, with maximum spectrum purchases in the 1800 MHz band so that it can have enough bands to launch 4G in all the important circles.

Also read: Next spectrum auction could see telecom companies spending Rs 1 lakh crore

"One can easily expect Vodafone to accumulate as much 1800 MHz spectrum as possible to launch 4G across India, which it has failed to do so far," an auctions strategist working with one of India's leading mobile phone companies told ET.

Also read: This is what CEOs of Airtel, Vodafone and Idea were served at a meeting with the telecom minister

In case the price of 1800 MHz airwaves get hiked unexpectedly in the auction, Vodafone India would also be targeting the cheaper capacity 4G spectrum in the 2500 MHz band to be on the safer side.

India’s third largest mobile carrier, Idea Cellular, will also be bidding for spectrum in the 1800/2100 MHz bands so that it can plug the 4G and 3G gaps in popular markets.

Also read: With $4.5 billion of bids for 4G spectrum, Vodafone and Idea are going to give other telcos a tough time

No. 1 ranked Bharti Airtel, which already has enough 4G footprint, will most likely be targeting 3G airwaves in the 2100 MHz band for Kolkata, Kerala and Punjab states.

The biggest ever auction will see a total of 2354.55 units of airwaves across the 3G bands of 900 MHz and 2100 MHz and the 4G bands of 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz being put up.

Image source