New Delhi, November 15, 2025 – India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has successfully concluded its 6G spectrum auction, raising a record ₹1.2 lakh crore from telecom giants, with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel emerging as the top bidders. The auction focused on the 3.5 GHz band, designated for initial 6G trials and future commercial rollout.
The auction marks a major milestone in India’s telecom roadmap, laying the groundwork for a nationwide 6G network expected by 2028, which promises speeds up to 100 times faster than 5G, particularly enhancing rural broadband connectivity. Officials highlighted that these speeds could transform sectors ranging from telemedicine and education to agriculture and smart villages, enabling seamless high-capacity digital services across the country.
Reliance Jio reportedly secured the largest portion of the spectrum, followed closely by Bharti Airtel, reflecting aggressive investment strategies by leading private telecom operators. Vodafone Idea, while participating, reportedly secured a smaller share due to financial constraints.
DoT officials emphasized that the 3.5 GHz band is critical for 6G trials, which will focus on ultra-low latency, AI-driven network management, and Internet of Things (IoT) integration. Early trial deployments in metropolitan and select rural regions are expected to commence within the next 12 months, with commercial rollout planned nationwide by 2028.
Analysts note that India’s 6G auction is among the largest in the world in terms of value raised and strategic importance. The infusion of ₹1.2 lakh crore will bolster the sector’s infrastructure investments and accelerate next-generation network development, ensuring India remains competitive in the global telecom landscape.
With rural broadband a key focus, policymakers believe 6G will help bridge the digital divide, offering high-speed, low-latency connectivity to underserved areas. Combined with ongoing 5G expansion, India’s telecom ecosystem is poised to support smart agriculture, AI-driven public services, and immersive digital experiences nationwide.
The successful auction demonstrates both the private sector’s confidence in India’s digital future and the government’s commitment to next-generation connectivity, positioning the country as a global player in 6G technology deployment.
