Spectrum auction surpassed estimates; industry’s debt levels to rise: ICRA

The results of telecom spectrum auctions, that grossed over Rs 77,800 crore, have “exceeded” initial estimates, ICRA said on Tuesday.

While the value of sales was just 19 per cent of the value of total spectrum on offer, the debt levels of the industry are expected to rise further, post the auctions, and the debt protection metrics would continue to remain weak despite improvement in operating metrics, it said.

Commenting on the telecom spectrum auctions, Ankit Jain, Assistant Vice-President, ICRA, said that the outcome exceeded earlier estimates and have fetched the exchequer around Rs 77,800 crore of which around Rs 28,000 crore will have to be paid upfront.