Mumbai, March 26 (IANS): Idea Cellular, which has emerged the top bidder for spectrum in the latest round of auction, Thursday said it has retained the airwaves and won additional bandwidth for areas covering 73 percent of its revenues.

"Idea's successful bid has helped it retain its spectrum in the 900 MHz band, ensuring business continuity and customer service for over 106 million subscribers in these nine markets and related benefit for Idea's overall subscriber base of over 155 million," the company said.

It also said spectrum won for data services will enable to expand 3G services to 13 circles, covering 80 percent of its overall revenue, while rolling out 4G services in 10 service areas, covering 61 percent of gross revenues.

"The spectrum win in these circles will ensure business continuity for another 20 years and help Idea strengthen its leadership in these markets."

The provisional results were were announced by the government after the approval of the Supreme Court on Thursday.

The total spectrum bid made by Idea has been valued at approximately Rs.30,100 crore -- the highest among the eight companies that participated in the auctions.

A part of the Aditya Vikram Birla group, Idea Cellular said it is India's 3rd largest national mobile operator, with over 155 million subscribers.