EGoM may be set up for telecom relief measures

NEW DELHI: The government is considering setting up an empowered group of ministers (eGoM) to oversee steps to tide over the adjusted gross revenue (AGR) crisis in the telecom sector.

The eGoM will look at ways to lower levies such as licence fees and spectrum usage charge (SUC) to help retain a three-private player market, as well as attract investments from new players.

The government is also likely to request the Supreme Court to allow affected telcos to stagger payment of AGR liabilities over up to 20 years on net present value basis, at a reduced interest rate of 8%, against the 12% that is usually charged on dues, a senior government official told ET.