DoT may return Rs 14,000-crore bank guarantees to Vodafone Idea

MUMBAI: The government plans to return bank guarantees worth Rs 14,000 crore to Vodafone Idea (Vi) and Rs 8,000 crore to Bharti Airtel if they opt for a four-year moratorium on payment of spectrum dues, a person aware of the development said.

The development is expected to drastically reduce Vodafone Idea’s non-fund exposure to banks that have been hesitant to furnish fresh bank guarantees (BGs) to the loss-making telco due to its precarious financial position.

“BGs in deferred annual instalment against spectrum bought in earlier auction will be returned to telcos opting for moratorium,” the source told ET. “Vi stands to get about Rs 14,000 crore and Airtel about Rs 8,000 crore.”