5G spectrum auction: Why the 700-MHz band is on telcos' bandwidth

It is 5x more efficient, compared to the 1800 MHz for rural area coverage, and twice as efficient as 900 MHz

The 700-megahertz (MHz) spectrum band — widely used by telecommunication companies (telcos) in the West for a cost-efficient deployment of the 5G technology — has gained traction among telcos in India.

If in the previous airwave auction the band found no takers, why is it now crucial to 5G roll-out?

It is believed that Reliance Jio, which is rumoured to have won 10 MHz in the band across the country, could well have a clear edge over its rivals in the 5G sweepstakes. However, it was not sold in the last two auctions due to a very high base price,