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India Moves to Break Telecom Duopoly with 6 GHz Delicensing and Vodafone Idea Relief

Planning to delicence 6 GHz spectrum by mid-August to accelerate Wi-Fi access, the government is examining relief measures for Vodafone Idea’s Rs 83,400 crore AGR dues to preserve market competition

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Overview

  • Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said a two-player market is unsustainable and pledged to foster intense competition beyond Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio.
  • New rules for delicensing the 6 GHz band are expected before August 15 to enable faster, more reliable Wi-Fi services and help bridge India’s digital divide.
  • The government is reportedly examining relief measures for Vodafone Idea, which owes Rs 83,400 crore in adjusted gross revenue dues and has sought waivers on over Rs 45,000 crore in penalties and interest.
  • In a recent restructuring, the Centre converted Rs 36,950 crore of Vodafone Idea’s liabilities into equity, raising its stake in the company to 48.99 percent.
  • Former finance minister P. Chidambaram advised against further government funding and urged that a world-class telecom operator be encouraged to acquire Vodafone Idea.