COAI

Indiaโ€™s mobile industry lobby is pushing for tariff corrections as network spending rises faster than service revenues. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) says operators face a growing mismatch between capital outlays and tariff-led returns. By its estimate, the cumulative gap up to 2024 was already around Rs 10,000 crore and is widening in 2025 as data consumption accelerates. COAI argues that a handful of large traffic generators (LTGs) are responsible for most network load without directly contributing to network build costs. Expect a mix of tariff rationalization, plan redesign, and targeted capex as operators chase sustainable returns.
At India Mobile Congress 2025, Jio framed a broad agenda that ties devices, networks, AI skills, and safety into a national-scale digital strategy. The message from Jioโ€™s chairman was clear: Indiaโ€™s telecom flywheel now spans the full value chain, from semiconductors and device platforms to fraud management and the next wave of 6G research. Telcos are shifting from pure connectivity to platform businesses that bundle devices, cloud access, security, and AI services. JioPC is positioned as an โ€œAI-readyโ€ computer that turns any screen into a managed endpoint, delivered through a subscription model.
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, is pushing back against direct 5G spectrum allocation for enterprises. COAI argues that Indiaโ€™s urban coverage, revenue priorities, and national security risks make an operator-led model via spectrum leasing or network slicing, more viable. The Department of Telecommunications is reviewing TRAIโ€™s recommendation, with the decision set to shape Indiaโ€™s private 5G market for years.
Indiaโ€™s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has relaunched its plan to directly allocate spectrum for private 5G networks. The new demand study invites large enterprises and system integrators to signal interest in dedicated spectrum for captive 5G setups. If approved, this policy could enable Indian industries to run secure, high-speed networks without fully relying on telecom operators.
COAI has endorsed MeitY’s move to address spam and scam communication from OTT apps. While telecom operators follow strict UCC rules, OTT platforms remain loosely regulated. COAI is advocating for uniform cybersecurity standards and clear regulatory roles to ensure user safety, particularly with emerging threats like steganography.
Indiaโ€™s telecom sector is rapidly evolving with AI and automation enhancing network operations, customer service, and 5G deployment. With over 125 million 5G users and major investments from companies like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, AI technologies are proving essential for scalability and efficiency. Despite challenges like infrastructure integration and talent gaps, Indiaโ€™s growing AI ecosystem and government support are driving the future of smart telecom solutions.
India approves 687 MHz of spectrum refarming to accelerate 5G rollout and lay the foundation for 6G services. This move increases total telecom spectrum to 1,587 MHz and addresses growing demands for mobile broadband, boosting innovations in edge computing and IoT while supporting telecom operators like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea.
India’s telecom industry is advancing rapidly, driven by 5G expansion, AI-powered innovations, and the ambitious Bharat 6G Vision. With 460,592 5G BTS sites deployed and 125 million users already connected, the sector is set to lead global telecom innovation. However, challenges like regulatory disparities and spectrum allocation need urgent attention to sustain this growth and realize its full potential.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have blacklisted eight entities for sending over 10,000 scam messages, as part of ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime. Key measures include forming committees, separating number series for calls, and implementing AI-based detection systems.

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