5G spectrum auction — the telecom sector’s most watched event — starts May 20. But analysts expect muted demand as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) have adequate 5G airwave holdings and since 5G penetration remains low in absence of any consumer-centric use cases for the masses.
Airtel and Vi are likely to focus on specific bands in markets where they face spectrum renewals. Some analysts, though, say Airtel and Jio could spend some extra cash to boost sub-GHz spectrum holdings.