Department of Telecom set to oppose sale of Aircel, RCom spectrum unless AGR dues paid

MUMBAI: The central government will oppose transfer of the right to use spectrum of bankrupt telcos undergoing insolvency process such as Aircel and Reliance Communications unless their statutory dues are cleared, officials said.

The telecom department will take this stance before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) decides on the matter, they said.

If not the telcos, then their buyer or recipient of the airwaves under the insolvency proceedings – UV Asset Restructuring Company (UVARCL) in the case of both Aircel and RCom – should be held liable for statutory dues such as adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues, officials said.