COAI Statement on 'TRAI's recommendations on Spectrum Auction'

“It is too early to comment as we are currently reviewing the recommendations and analysing the impact these recommendations will have on the industry. For now, we are glad that the Government has decided to bring down the price of spectrum, especially for the 700 MHz band. It is, however, important to note that considering the current financial stress the industry is going through, lowering the spectrum prices alone doesn’t fix anything. 

Until and unless the SUC, licence fees and other levies are lowered as well, the industry may not be able to cope with the requirements for state-of-the-art infrastructure needed for new technologies and early roll-out of 5G. The operators will review the recommendations and should be able to comment individually soon.”

Attributed to Mr. Rajan S Mathews, Director General, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI)