Government
Bharti Airtel Clears 2016 Spectrum Liabilities
Bharti Airtel has made an early payment of ₹3,626 crore ($426.4 million) to the Indian government, clearing all its dues for the spectrum acquired in 2016. This follows a previous payment of ₹8,465 crore made by the telecom operator in September towards its spectrum liabilities. Indian telecom operators face significant spectrum fee obligations, a […]
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Indian Government Evaluating Optimal Use of 6 GHz Spectrum: Report
Indian telecom operators and private internet companies are locked in a debate over the allocation of the 6 GHz spectrum, with the government yet to decide on its usage. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is currently evaluating arguments from both sides to determine the most effective use of this critical frequency band. Neeraj Mittal, […]
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Government Disburses ₹332 Crore Under Telecom PLI Scheme to 18 Companies
The Ministry of Communications has disbursed ₹331.86 crore in incentives under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for telecom and networking equipment. These incentives were distributed among 18 companies, including Tejas Networks, Jabil Circuit India, and Dixon Electro Appliances. Minister of State for Communications, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, shared this information in response to a Lok […]
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Government Implements New Phone Interception Rules with Enhanced Oversight
The government has introduced new rules at the state level at the state level on the phone blocking the phone to the officers of Inspector General of Police to issue an interception order during the emergency. These orders should obtain confirmation from the competent authority – either with the Union Home Secretary or the Home […]
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As Per New Telecom Act Rules, Telcos Must Give Access of Telecom Infra to Govt
Telecom service providers (TSPs) must grant the government access to critical telecom infrastructure (CTI) under the new Telecom Act, 2023. The Act empowers the central government to designate telecom networks as CTI if their disruption could pose significant threats to national security, public health, the economy, or public safety. Key Provisions of the Telecom Act, […]
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Indian Govt Won’t Interfere with Tariff Hikes from Jio, Airtel, and Vi
Private telecom operators in India, including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi), have recently raised tariffs for prepaid and postpaid mobile plans by 11-25% across various offerings. This hike has also affected the base plans, making the minimum recharge plans required to keep SIMs active more expensive. Government’s Stance on Tariff Hikes […]
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Delay in Vi’s ₹25,000 Crore Funding Worsens Financial Struggles
Vodafone Idea (Vi) is grappling with worsening financial challenges as its ₹25,000 crore debt-funding plan faces significant delays, casting doubt on its ability to achieve a turnaround. The setback follows the Supreme Court’s rejection of Vi’s curative petition to recalculate its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues, which has further strained the company’s financial outlook. Analysts […]
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In-Flight WiFi Above 3000m Permitted by Indian Govt
The government clarified that in-flight passengers can access internet services via Wi-Fi only when electronic devices are permitted onboard, even after reaching an altitude of 3,000 meters in Indian airspace. According to the Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules, 2018, in-flight service providers must enable mobile communication services above 3,000 meters to prevent interference with terrestrial […]
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Iraq in Talks with Foreign Companies for 5G Network Launch, One Year Post-Approval
The Iraqi government is reportedly in discussions with foreign companies to operate the country’s forthcoming 5G network, a year after the Iraqi Ministry of Communications approved the 5G plan. According to a report by Iraqi News, Communications Minister Hiyam Al-Yasiri stated that talks are progressing following the cabinet’s approval of a task force, chaired by […]
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BSNL Promises Government About Network Deployment
BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) officials have assured members of parliament (MPs) that the state-run telecom operator’s services will improve within six months, aiming to meet the target of deploying 1 lakh towers. This differs from Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia’s statement that BSNL is expected to reach this milestone by mid-2025. MPs raised concerns over […]
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