Airtel spends Rs 6,857 cr for 97 MHz of airwaves, mostly to renew permits; Jio picks up 14.4 MHz for Rs 973.62 cr

New Delhi: Bharti Airtel emerged as the top buyer in the spectrum auctions concluded on Wednesday, spending Rs 6,857 crore for 97 MHz of airwaves to renew permits in circles where they were expiring this year and fill gaps in some circles to increase coverage and capacity.

Rival Reliance Jio, the market leader, picked up 14.4 MHz of airwaves in the 1800 MHz band, spending Rs 973.62 crore, to bolster its existing network amidst increasing data usage and subscriber adds. Its limited spending is also because it is currently not facing any permit renewals.