COAI

Union Budget: COAI seeks telecom spectrum and levy reform

Union Budget: COAI seeks telecom spectrum and levy reform
With the Union Budget around the corner, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) is asking for a structural fix to spectrum pricing, statutory levies, and GST that is designed to restore sector health and accelerate digital infrastructure build-out. COAI’s agenda centers on spectrum affordability, regulatory levy rationalization, and GST reform to unlock liquidity frozen as input tax credit. COAI argues for spending the sizable unused corpus first, holding the DBN levy in abeyance, and trimming license fees to roughly 0.5–1% to cover administrative costs. Cutting GST on regulatory payments from 18% to 5% would reduce the pace of new ITC build-up and meaningfully ease liquidity pressure.

India’s DoT spectrum sharing rules for 5G

INDIA NEARS POSITION AS TOP TWO GLOBAL 5G ECOSYSTEM: MINISTER ASHWINI VAISHNAW
The Indian government has floated draft rules that refine how mobile operators can share spectrum, aiming to boost spectral efficiency and accelerate 5G expansion under the new telecommunications regulatory framework. The draft rules seek to formalize spectrum sharing under the new regime, giving operators a clearer pathway to pool or share spectrum holdings while ensuring compliance with license conditions. In practical terms, telcos would gain a more predictable mechanism to use underutilized spectrum, improve coverage, and optimize capacity without always resorting to new auctions or heavy capex.

India SIM binding mandate for messaging apps

India SIM binding mandate for messaging apps
India’s Department of Telecommunications has ordered major messaging apps to implement continuous SIM binding and frequent web re-authentication to curb fraud, with compliance expected in early 2026. The directive applies to app-based communication platforms that use mobile numbers as identifiers, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, ShareChat, JioChat, Josh, and regional players like Arattai. Apps must continuously verify that the SIM linked to the registered number is present and active on the device, not just at account setup. Additionally, web sessions (e.g., WhatsApp Web) must auto-logout every six hours, forcing users to re-link via QR code.

India 6 GHz Spectrum: Wi‑Fi vs IMT Showdown

SPECTRUM CONTROVERSY THE ROLE OF THE 6 GHZ BAND IN INDIA’S TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUTURE
A high-stakes policy fight has emerged in India over the 6 GHz band, pitting global device and cloud ecosystems against mobile operators over whether the band should power unlicensed Wi‑Fi or licensed mobile (IMT) networks. Apple, Amazon, Cisco, Meta, HP, and Intel have jointly urged India’s regulator, TRAI, to reserve the full 6 GHz range for Wi‑Fi, arguing the band is not technically or commercially ready for IMT and that unlicensed use will deliver immediate, widespread capacity benefits. Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea have countered that delicensing upper 6 GHz would permanently foreclose India’s option to deploy wide‑area licensed broadband in prime mid‑band spectrum.

COAI defends India mobile tariff hike amid OTT traffic

COAI defends India mobile tariff hike amid OTT traffic
India’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.

Jio at IMC 2025: AI, Safety and 6G Roadmap

Jio at IMC 2025: AI, Safety and 6G Roadmap
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 Jio’s chairman was clear: India’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 “AI-ready” computer that turns any screen into a managed endpoint, delivered through a subscription model.

COAI Opposes Direct Spectrum Allocation for Private 5G in India

India’s DoT Reopens Doors for Direct Spectrum Allocation for Private 5G Networks
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 India’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 TRAI’s recommendation, with the decision set to shape India’s private 5G market for years.

India’s DoT Reopens Doors for Direct Spectrum Allocation for Private 5G Networks

India’s DoT Reopens Doors for Direct Spectrum Allocation for Private 5G Networks
India’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 Backs MeitY on OTT Spam Regulation and Cybersecurity

COAI Backs MeitY on OTT Spam Regulation and Cybersecurity
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.

AI in Indian Telecom: Automation, 5G, and Future Growth

AI in Indian Telecom: Automation, 5G, and Future Growth
India’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, India’s growing AI ecosystem and government support are driving the future of smart telecom solutions.

India Approves Spectrum Refarming to Boost 5G and 6G Rollout

FCC Begins Review of Decades-Old Spectrum Sharing Rules to Unleash the Power of Space Innovation
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 Leverages 5G and AI to Lead Global Connectivity with 1.2 bn subscribers

India's Telecom Industry Leverages 5G and AI to Lead Global Connectivity with 1.2 bn subscribers
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.

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