After a severe hit on account of AGR, relief may be underway for telecom companies with the government exploring minimum price for calls and data to prevent extreme low or free tariffs.
Free or very low voice and data tariffs are seen as the root cause of the current losses of the operators and are among the other reasons like high licence levies and spectrum prices.
This floor price move if finalised will benefit incumbents like Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel who reported a combined loss of Rs 74,000 crore for the second quarter ended September 30, 2019.
The committee of secretaries (CoS) currently looking into sectoral levies is exploring setting a minimum price for mobile calls and data as per officials. The CoS has sought committee has sought recommendations from Department of Telecom (DoT) on setting a minimum charge for all tariffs for telecom players on both voice and data and also assessing the impact it will have on telecom operators.
Sector regulator Trai had earlier rejected the idea after holding discussions with telcos. The Supreme Court has asked telecom companies to pay Rs 92,000 crore to the government as Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR). The department will soon begin consultations for the floor price on voice and tariffs and also may seek Trai suggestions on this and then finalise the recommendations which will be sent to the committee of secretaries.
DoT will seek to review the minimum charge that should be set, the rationale and the financial benefit it will have on telecom operators. The committee has been looking at proposals of licence fee relief to a moratorium on spectrum payment.
Bangladeshi smuggler killed in BSF firing along Tripura border, trooper injured; 3 Rohingyas held at Agartala station
A Bangladeshi smuggler was killed and another injured as BSF troopers opened fire, after being surrounded by the gang, along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura's Unakoti district on Sunday, officials said.
Left, Congress to fight jointly in Tripura, CPI-M announces Tripura East candidate
After separate meetings of the CPI-M’s state committee and of the Left Front, Left Front convener Narayan Kar said that former CPI-M MLA Rajendra Reang would be the Left’s nominee for the Tripura East Lok Sabha seat, which is reserved for the tribals.
TRIPURA: LS Polls on April, 19, April 26, by-polls on April 19, counting on June 4
Along with the rest of the nations, the Northeastern states of Tripura is going for Lok Sabha elections from April 19 next, as the Election Commission of India on Saturday announced the poll schedule for the nation.
BJP ready for landslide victory in both Lok Sabha seats: CM Dr Saha
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday said that the respect and development of the Janajati people have been assured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and as a result, people's confidence and trust in the BJP are increasing.
K. Kavitha key conspirator behind Delhi excise policy scam, orchestrated a deal with Kejriwal, Sisodia: ED tells court
The Enforcement Directorate, while seeking custody of BRS MLC K. Kavitha, submitted in the court on Saturday that she is one of the "key conspirators and beneficiaries" of the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.
Elections in 25 Lok Sabha seats of 8 NE states to be held in first 3 phases
Election officials in different northeastern states said that they are ready to conduct the parliamentary polls as per the schedule announced by the Election Commission.
India has to be 'patient but persevering' on China: EAM Jaishankar
Speaking at a media conclave, the Minister agreed that the relationship became much more complicated after 2020 but said that "it was building up over a period of time".
Top Awami League leader denies India's 'interference' in Bangladesh polls
A top leader from Bangladesh's ruling Awami League on Saturday ruled out allegations of India's interference in the country's election, months after the crucial vote in January this year saw Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina storming back to power.