AGR or spectrum? What's a bigger drag on telecom operators' finances?

Trai says a reduction in AGR will allow more investment in telecom sector, but DoT argues the same can be ensured if Trai agrees to reduce spectrum reserve price at auctions

The Supreme Court has decided that non-core revenues will also be included while computing the levies Indian telecom service providers (TSPs) pay the government. The decision supposedly ends a dispute running since 2005 between TSPs and the department of telecommunications (DoT). At stake is a possible bill of Rs 90,000 crore on the sector, so it is quite certain that the order will be contested again.

Within hours of the SC decision, Bharti Airtel has already put out a statement expressing disappointment. "The government must review the impact of this decision and find suitable ways to mitigate the financial burden on