BS EDIT: A Level Playing Field for Telecom

By Business StandardPublished On Nov 18, 2025

The Supreme Court’s approval to reassess Vi’s AGR dues offers clarity, but such reviews must not become a route for preferential treatment

A sector as vital as telecom needs consistent rules. Custom relief for individual firms weakens fairness and risks renewed legal disputes

Government stakes in Vi rose to 49% after past equity conversions. Extending such measures further would set an unsound policy precedent

A stronger BSNL and MTNL can avert a duopoly naturally. The government should prioritise their revival rather than easing burdens for one telco

With liabilities nearing ₹2 trillion, Vi must deepen fundraising efforts and raise tariffs to improve its Arpu and financial resilience

Long-term strength lies in policy reform. Lowering levies and simplifying rules can address systemic issues as telecom advances toward 6G and satellites