Government within its rights to hold spectrum auction, but older telcos unlikely to bid: COAI

The government is well within its rights to hold spectrum auction in the current financial year if it so desires, but old operators, reeling under the impact of SC ruling on statutory dues, are unlikely to participate, industry body COAI said.
“The government can hold the auction if it wants, the larger question is who will turn up for bidding given the present financial situation,” COAI Director General Rajan Mathews told PTI.
Mathews said given the latest AGR judgement from the apex court and the sector’s deep crisis, the older operators are unlikely to have the wherewithal to bid for spectrum.
“Still, the government is well within its right to hold the auction. If the auctions are indeed held, then the government should ensure there is no monopoly in acquisition of spectrum,” Mathews added.