Adani Data Joins Reliance Jio, Airtel And Vodafone Idea To Bid For 5G Airwaves

India's top three telecom companies and Adani Data Networks Ltd. have applied to bid at the upcoming 5G spectrum auctions, even as the billionaire Gautam Adani-led conglomerate has clarified it is to provide for private network solutions.

Adani Data, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd., Bharti Airtel Ltd., and Vodafone Idea Ltd. are the four applicants that will participate in the upcoming auction, the Department of Telecommunications said in a notification.

The operators have applied 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.

The DoT, however, said the list was for information only and "does not in any way imply that these applications have been processed or pre-qualified".

On Saturday, the Adani Group clarified that its intention is not to enter consumer communication services after PTI reported that it was planning to acquire telecom airwaves.

Shares of Bharti Airtel had declined the most in more than 21 months, reacting to the news of Adani's foray.

Disclaimer: Adani Enterprises is in the process of acquiring a 49% stake in Quintillion Business Media Ltd., the owner of BQ Prime.