Bid to change course of sector: Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

The government is open to the idea of lowering 5G spectrum prices but cannot touch telecom tariffs as that is a matter between telcos and subscribers, Union telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. Vaishnaw told ET’s Anandita Singh Mankotia that the government hopes to change the course of the telecom sector through its latest reform move and make it viable for investors. Edited excerpts:

What was the trigger for the government to announce such wide-ranging reforms? Was it the plight of Vodafone Idea?

The Prime Minister’s vision was very clear. He wishes to bridge the digital divide and robust telecom networks are key to serving the marginalised and far-flung areas. To have robust networks in the country, the sector needs to be in good shape, it needs massive capital injection. We didn’t wish to just give some temporary relief, but to go after the underlying malaise afflicting the growth of this sector and solve it.