RCom pays Rs 8,585 cr for 3G spectrum

Reliance Communications (RCom) today paid Rs 8,585.04 crore to the government towards securing the 3G spectrum. RCom had bagged the spectrum in 13 circles, including Delhi and Mumbai.

Today is the last date for making payments for 3G spectrum by all telecom firms, including PSUs BSNL and MTNL. The government had earned Rs 67,719 crore from the sale of 3G spectrum through a 34-day-long auction process, in which nine operators took part. 

RCOM has won 3G spectrum in all circles where it has 900 MHz spectrum. It has obtained 3G spectrum in 13 circles, including high-growth 'C' ones, for less than Rs 500 crore.

This makes RCOM the only operator with pan-India 3G capability in CDMA, and among the top three with highest 3G-enabled coverage.

According to the company, RCOM will have to invest only a minimal amount into the 3G network capex owing to its already-existing nationwide state-of-the-art GSM network.

RCOM will strongly leverage its media, gaming, cinema and broadcasting capabilities to offer its customers a unique "true 3G experience," the company said.

Tata Teleservices, Idea Cellular and Vodafone Essar have also paid the government for the spectrum, spokespersons of the companies said.
    
While TTSL, which bagged 3G spectrum in nine circles, paid Rs 5864.29 crore to the government, Idea Cellular paid Rs 5768.59 crore for 11 circles.
    
Vodafone Essar paid Rs 11,618 crore for nine circles, including Delhi and Mumbai.
    
MTNL too will make the payment before the close of the deadline today.
    
When contacted, MTNL CMD Kuldip Singh said the payment will be made online before the deadline. MTNL has to pay Rs 6,564 crore for Delhi and Mumbai circles.
    
Although state-owned firms BSNL and MTNL did not participate in the auction, they have to make payments equivalent to the highest bid in each of their service area.
    
Today is the last day of 3G payment. Government stands to get Rs 67,719 crore from the sale of 3G radiowaves through auction.