(Telecompaper) Vodafone India has acquired spectrum in 12 telecom circles for a total cost of INR 258.1 billion (GBP 2.78 billion). The mobile operator managed to acquire 900 MHz spectrum in all six of its circles where its licences are set to expire at the end of this year. It also added 5 MHz in the 900 MHz band in Orissa and a further 30 MHz in the 2,100 MHz band in six new circles. In addition the company bought 5.6 MHz of 1,800 MHz spectrum in three circles to complement the 49 MHz of 1,800 MHz spectrum acquired in the February 2014 auction. Vodafone said the new licences will allow it to expand 3G services over its own network from nine to 16 circles. Previously it had relied on roaming agreements in order to offer 3G in many markets. With the new rights, it has spectrum in circles representing 88 percent of its service revenues.