Telcos binged on spectrum in 2024. Their disinterest now may deter auctions this year

Telecom companies have little reason to buy more, as the three private-sector operators spent heavily at earlier auctions and few spectrum renewals fall due this year. The telecom department is also reclaiming airwaves from operators such as Aircel and Reliance Communications, which are facing insolvency proceedings. There is an upcoming renewal for Vodafone Idea, and, if needed, the spectrum can be administratively assigned to ensure continuity until the next spectrum auctions, a government official, one of the persons mentioned earlier, said.