Panel approves extension of time period for spectrum payment to 16 years

Cabinet to take final call; no more concessions and no change in spectrum or licence fees, says Telecom Commission

The Telecom Commission (TC) has approved an increase in the timeframe for deferred spectrum payments to 16 years, as well as a change in calculation of interest for delayed payments.

However, telecom companies will not get any relief on spectrum charge or licence fee. The industry says the TC's measures will give some relief to operators in the long run but the current problem of financial stress remains.

The government had formed an inter-ministerial group (IMG), to address the financial stress in the sector and it had recommended all these measures. The TC in its earlier meeting had sought clarifications on some