Tariff hike SIM consolidation continues in February

The Cellular Operators’ Association of India (COAI), an apex industry body, in a statement, said it is disappointed by Trai recommendations on 5G spectrum bands as pricing is still high. They have urged Trai to revisit the recommendation to lower the spectrum pricing, do away with 1.5x multiple for 30 years and mandatory roll out obligations

Trai has recommended ~35.6% cut from its earlier proposed base price for the auction of 3300-3670 MHz band, a prime spectrum for 5G networks.  It has recommended a base price of Rs 317 crore/ Mhz for a pan-India basis vs. previously recommended pricing of Rs 492 crore, for the same. Thus, outgo for 100 Mhz of pan India 5G spectrum would be ~Rs 31700 crore. Similarly, 700 Mhz spectrum, pricing has been cut by 40.2% to Rs 3927 crore/Mhz for pan-India vs. Rs 6568, earlier, with total outgo for 10 Mhz (optimum requirement) pegged at Rs 39700 Mhz vs. Rs 65680 crore, earlier. Other measures such as easing payment terms and rationalising spectrum caps (doing away with pan-India cap of 33% and pegging band wise cap at 40% vs. 50%, earlier)