Bharti Airtel has reportedly paid more than Rs 350 million to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to continue using spectrum for three months in six circles where the telco’s licences are expiring this year. The payment has been done as a provisional measure to ensure continuity of telecom operators.
As per industry sources, the DoT has renewed the licence for the circles. However, since the auction is yet to be conducted, the government has granted a three-month extension for using the airwaves by paying the reserve price.
Airtel’s licences in five circles will expire on February 9, 2024, and in one circle in July 2024. The telco will buy spectrum for these circles in the upcoming auction, expected to be conducted in March 2024.
