COAI has asked the government to cut spectrum auction prices, arguing telecom operators haven’t yet recovered heavy 5G infrastructure investments. The industry body says policymakers should factor in the capital already infused by service providers and set lower auction costs so operators can sustain and expand networks without crippling business returns.
India’s 2024 spectrum auction starts today after multiple delays, offering airwaves worth Rs 96,317.65 crore. The government expects roughly Rs 10,000 crore from the sale, but early estimates point to only about 17% of the spectrum value being taken up, potentially the weakest response since 2014. The session could shape 5G rollout economics.
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