Secretary panel may seek licence fee cut, two year freeze on spectrum dues

NEW DELHI: The Committee of Secretaries (CoS) is likely to recommend a reduction in the licence fee paid by telecom companies and allowing a two-year moratorium on spectrum payments, as part of measures to grant relief to the debt-laden sector, said three people familiar with the matter.

One of the persons said the panel is set to suggest bringing down licence fee to 5% of adjusted gross revenue from 8%. However, all GST-related matters, including refund of input tax credit and reduction in tax rate, are likely to be referred to the GST Council.