Jio’s Unique 700 MHz Spectrum Footprint Makes it an Exclusive 5G Services Provider

Jio, India’s largest digital services provider, today acquired spectrum in the 700MHz, 800MHz, 1800MHz, 3300MHz and 26GHz bands in the auctions conducted by the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India. 

The acquisition of the right to use this spectrum will enable Jio to build the World’s most  advanced 5G network and further strengthen India’s global leadership in wireless broadband connectivity. Jio’s 5G network will enable the next generation of digital solutions that will accelerate India’s AI-driven march towards becoming a US$ 5+ trillion economy. 

Launched just six years ago, Jio has created multiple world records during its roll out of  the largest 4G network in the shortest period of time. Jio’s 4G network provides the  highest quality, most affordable digital services to over 400 million loyal and delighted  customers. Jio will now raise the bar even further with its 5G services. 

Jio has been a front-runner in embracing technologies of the future and unlocking their  full potential for the benefit of India, Indians and Indian businesses. Jio has demonstrated  its visionary commitment yet again, as India enters the 5G era. As with Jio 4G that blurred  the line between Bharat and India and provided every Indian the best connectivity at the  most affordable price globally, Jio 5G will ensure that every Indian gets to access the  most transformative digital services and platforms offered anywhere in the world. 

Jio’s 5G solution is made in India, by Indians and to suit the need of every Indian. Jio is  fully ready for 5G rollout in the shortest period of time because of its nationwide fibre  presence, all-IP network with no legacy infrastructure, indigenous 5G stack and strong  global partnerships across the technology ecosystem. 

Shri Akash M Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Jio Infocomm said: 

“We have always believed that India will become a leading economic power in the world  by adopting the power of breakthrough technologies. This was the vision and conviction  that gave birth to Jio. The speed, scale and societal impact of Jio’s 4G rollout is  unmatched anywhere in the world. Now, with a bigger ambition and stronger resolve, Jio  is set to lead India’s march into the 5G era. 

We will celebrate ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ with a pan India 5G rollout. Jio is committed  to offering world-class, affordable 5G and 5G-enabled services. We will provide services,  platforms and solutions that will accelerate India’s digital revolution, especially in crucial  sectors like Education, Healthcare, Agriculture, Manufacturing and e-Governance and  make another proud contribution to Honourable Prime Minister’s DIGITAL INDIA  MISSION.” 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF JIO’S SPECTRUM ACQUISITION 

Circle wise details of spectrum acquired are provided in the following table:

Cost 

Total cost of acquiring the right to use the above technology agnostic spectrum for a  period of 20 years is Rs. 88,078 crore. As per terms of the spectrum auction, the spectrum  payments have to be made over 20 equated annual instalments, with interest computed  at 7.2% per annum. Annual payment amount is summarised below: 

(amount in Rs. crore) 

The above amounts are provisional, subject to DOT confirmation.  

Post-auction spectrum footprint: 

1. Jio has acquired a unique combination of low-band, mid-band and mmWave  spectrum, which coupled with our deep fibre network and indigenous technology  platforms, will enable us to provide 5G Everywhere and 5G For All (consumers and  enterprises).  
2. With its unmatched 700 MHz spectrum footprint, Jio will be the only operator  providing pan-India True 5G services with faster speeds, lower latency and massive  connectivity. 
3. Through this acquisition, Jio’s total owned spectrum footprint has increased significantly to 26,772 MHz (uplink + downlink), which is the highest in India: 
4. Sub-GHz: Jio has the highest amount of sub-GHz spectrum with at least  2X10 MHz contiguous spectrum in both 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands across  

each of the 22 circles. 

1. Mid-band: Jio is the only operator which has at least 2X10 MHz in 1800 MHz  band (with 2X20 MHz in six key circles), 40 MHz in 2300 MHz band and  

100 MHz in 3300 MHz band across all the 22 circles. 

1. mmWave: In addition, Jio also has right to use 1,000 MHz in the millimetre wave band (26 GHz) in each of the 22 circles which will be crucial to enable  

enterprise use cases as well as provide high-quality streaming services.