The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to waive penalties and the bulk of interest on delayed spectrum payments by central and state government departments, covering dues totaling several lakh crore rupees.
Approximately 95 percent of interest and all penalties on spectrum usage charges dating back to 2004 are waived, with departments now required to pay the principal amount and a 5 percent interest on it.
The relief package exclusively applies to central and state government departments, excluding public sector units and private operators, aiming to address delays in payment and the accumulation of significant dues over the years.
The spectrum refarming decision by the Cabinet aims to unlock value by freeing up valuable spectrum worth around Rs 5 lakh crore for future auctions, supporting the telecom sector's needs for 5G and anticipated 6G network deployments.