Spectrum auctions: Bharti Airtel likely to edge past Reliance Jio

Bharti Airtel may end up cumulatively bidding for more spectrum than market leader Reliance Jio in the upcoming auctions. This is owing to its need for spectrum renewal, and a requirement for 900 MHz in a few circles, analysts have said.

Despite the muted bidding expected in the upcoming auctions, Airtel may end up making more bids than Jio, they added.

“While Bharti and Vodafone Idea (Vi) have 900 MHz renewal in a few circles, Bharti may also use the opportunity to strengthen its sub-1 GHz holdings,” a note by IIFL Securities said.