Unsold spectrum resulted in Rs 5.4 trillion losses, claims industry group

Radiowaves unsold in past auctions cost India an estimated Rs 5.4 trillion in economic losses, claimed industry body Broadband India Forum, urging the government to ensure adequacy and “reasonable” rates for upcoming 5G auction.

BIF said the reserve price of 5G spectrum is “too high”, works out to be 4 times higher than other countries and “needs urgent revision”.

Spectrum price in India is, by far, the single most important factor in determining the fate of an auction, its success or failure, BIF said, adding prices should trigger maximum sale and hence optimal realisation of direct and indirect benefits, and not be driven by short-term financial gains.