Public sector companies with telecom licence also asked to pay AGR dues

Even as the road for public sector companies that hold telecom licence primarily for their own network use is unclear, a letter by DOT, issued following Friday’s Supreme Court order, has been sent to them as well. Some companies like Oil India are expected to restart the legal process soon.

And, any outgo from these companies could not only wipe out their surplus but create distress in other sectors also. The department of telecommunications (DoT) on Friday asked the telecom service providers and licensees to make immediate payment in accordance with the Supreme Court’s ruling.

It had earlier slapped a demand notice on Oil India, seeking Rs 48,000 crore on account of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. OIL’s notices are for 2007-08 to 2018-19 and the Rs 48,000 crore includes licence fee, penalties and interest.