In order to commence third generation (3G) telecommunication services, Anil Ambani-led Reliance Communications (RCom) has paid Rs 8,585.04 crore towards spectrum charges to the administration.

RCom is one of the three private telecommunication operators that bagged 3G spectrum in 13 service areas, comprising the most remunerative Mumbai and Delhi circles, in an auction of airwaves, which ended on May 19.

In a declaration, the company said, "RCom's nationwide 3G-ready network offers a number of innovations to its over 102 million customers... RCom won 3G spectrum in all circles where it has 900 MHz spectrum. The 13 circles where it has obtained 3G spectrum include all high growth 'C' circles for less than Rs. 500 crore."

This makes RCom the only operator that has pan-India 3G capability in CDMA and among the top three with highest 3G-enabled coverage.

The company will have minimal capital expenditure investment into 3G network owing to its countrywide high-tech GSM network.

It will leverage its media, gaming, cinema and broadcasting capabilities to offer its customers a "unique true 3G experience".

According to the guidelines of DoT, May 31 is the last date for all telecommunication firms to make payments for 3G spectrum.

Bharti Airtel, which also received 3G spectrum in 13 circles, has paid Rs 12,295.46 crore to DoT.

The third winner, Aircel paid Rs 6,499.46 crore.

A company spokesperson said, "We made payment for the 3G on Friday (May 28)."

Nine telecom firms such as Bharti Airtel, RCom, Vodafone Essar, Idea Cellular, Tata Teleservices, Aircel, Etisalat, S Tel and Videocon Telecom took part in the 3G spectrum auction. (With Inputs from Agencies)