Synopsis The Indian telecom market, which once had nearly a dozen operators, has in recent years seen exit of some prominent names due to cut-throat competition and legal cases. Agencies The impending industry-wide tariff hike would improve financial metrics of companies and market watchers believe that 2021 could, well, turn out to be a year of significant industry repair. New Delhi: Having narrowly escaped a financial collapse, the telecom sector is now headed for an auction of airwaves in the next quarter, which combined with telcos' network investment compulsions and AGR liabilities could hasten tariff hikes in 2021. The Indian telecom market, which once had nearly a dozen operators, has in recent years seen exit of some prominent names due to cut-throat competition and legal cases.