Spectrum reserve prices high: Telcos

NEW DELHI: Weeks ahead of the spectrum auctions, the telecom industry has said that reserve prices for the airwaves are high and it will be “financially challenging” to ensure a healthy sale. Telecom companies want the government to fix a minimum mandated floor price for voice and internet services, apart from lower taxes and levies to improve their financial position and ensure enthusiastic sale.

Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the body representing companies such as Reliance Jio, Airtel NSE 0.50 %, Vodafone Idea NSE -5.51 %, expressed reservations on the government’s spectrum pricing strategy and raised fears that much of the airwaves may remain unsold, like in some of the previous rounds.