Question : Assistance to Telecom Sector

(a) the steps taken by the Government to assist the telecom sector in the country;

(b) whether the Government intends to propose a plan for future developments in the telecom sector keeping in mind the huge Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) fees required to be paid by the companies and if so, the details thereof; and

(c) whether the speculations regarding shutting down of Vodafone Idea company is true and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS,
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE)

(a) Considering the stress in the sector, the Government has given an option to the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to defer payment of the spectrum auction instalments dues for 2020-21 and 2021-22, either for one or both years.

(b) No such plan at present Sir.

(c) No such information is available with the Government Sir.

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