Vodafone Idea: “There is a proposal but a final decision is yet to be taken. Also, there is still time for the telcos to meet the network rollout obligation’s minimum requirement," one of the officials was quoted as saying in the report.
Vodafone Idea (Vi) has informed the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) that it plans to pay the second instalment of Rs 1,680 crore for 5G spectrum purchased in last year s auction by utilising the 30-day grace period option available under the 5G spectrum sale rules. The company had earlier purchased 5G airwaves worth Rs 18,799 crore and opted to clear its dues to the government in 20 equal instalments.
Vodafone Idea: The 5G airwaves auction rules further state that if such payment is not made by the telco beyond a 30-day grace period, the DoT, with the approval of the communications minister, can terminate spectrum assignment to the licensee, terminate its licence or even bar the company from participating in future auctions for 3 years.
Vodafone Idea: “The time period for roll out of the network as per the roll out obligations… shall be deemed as the essence of the contract and the network must be rolled out not later than such specified time period(s). No extension in prescribed due date will be granted,” the NIA for the 5G spectrum auction said.
Vodafone Idea (Vi) and Adani Data Networks are expected to face financial penalties for failing to meet minimum rollout obligations for 5G airwaves in India s mid band and 26 GHz bands. Officials stated that the two firms had requested relaxations for the rollout conditions outlined in the notice inviting application for the auction. Previous attempts to request extensions have been denied.