DoT has modified the rollout obligations for new telecom operators. The new entrants now need to roll out services within one year from the date of getting spectrum, as against within a year of getting the licence. These companies were allotted licences in January 2008 but were granted staggered spectrum a few months later. So, not only has the deadline been postponed, the amount of penalty has also been reduced. Under the earlier rollout obligation, the new entrants would have had to pay a total of over Rs 510 million in penalties by April 27, 2009 (factoring in a 13-week grace period). Now, however, they are liable to pay only Rs 26 million by July 22, 2009.
