Bidding opens consumer mobility doors for Adani

Telecom Tangle

- Adani Group stated it doesn't intend to be in the consumer mobility space

- It plans to create a private network to support its businesses

- But Adani's bidding will potentially increase competition in enterprise 5G

- Credit Suisse believes that Adani's participation in 5G spectrum auctions will be limited to 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz bands

New Delhi: Billionaire Gautam Adani-led Adani Data Networks, Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea have applied to participate in the upcoming 5G auction, according to a list issued by the Department of Telecom (DoT) on Tuesday.

The spectrum auction, scheduled to start on July 26, may see aggressive bids for some frequency bands, with the entry of Adani Data Networks and established players Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel looking to strengthen their hold in the industry.

"Applications have been received from the...applicants for participation in the 2022 Auction for rights to use Spectrum in 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz and 26 GHz Bands," DoT said. Applicants have time till July 19.

Goldman Sachs said that while the group has stated it does not intend to be in the consumer mobility space, "we believe if the Adani Group does end up buying spectrum in the upcoming auction, it could potentially increase competition in enterprise 5G, in addition to opening the doors for the Adani Group to expand into consumer mobile services over time".