Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi) has paid 10 per cent of its licence fee dues for the fourth quarter (Q4) of fiscal year 2022-23. The telco has sought more time from the government to clear the balance 90 per cent in multiple tranches by July 31, 2023.
In a letter dated April 3, 2023, to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Vi proposed a softer payment plan citing continuing liquidity challenges in absence of its long-pending fundraising and sought the government’s support to stagger pending licence fee payments for Q4 to minimise operational continuity risks and also balance interests of all stakeholders.
The operator has proposed to pay the balance 90 per cent in multiple instalments – 20 per cent by May 31, another 20 per cent by June 30, and the final 50 per cent by July 31, 2023. If has offered to pay interest for such delayed payment as per the licence agreement.
In its letter to the DoT, Vi said that despite its continuing liquidity challenges, the company has paid all statutory dues till Q2 of 2022-23 and is now clearing licence fee and spectrum usage charge (SUC) dues for Q3 of last fiscal at a faster pace than the earlier committed payment plan.
