The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) representing major telcos Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone has asked the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to cut 5G base prices by close to 60%, according to a PTI report. “COAI has asked the government for a drastic cut in spectrum price for the proliferation of digital connectivity and specially for ushering 5G services. It has requested the government to reduce the base price by more than half in the proposed spectrum auction," a telecom operator representative told PTI. A COAI representative confirmed that a letter was sent to the department but declined to share its contents with MediaNama, citing the need for confidentiality. Due to highly competitive pricing in the past few years, India's cash-strapped telecom companies are now looking to tariff hikes and sectoral reforms for some relief. The DoT might need to factor that in while setting 5G spectrum prices or accept the increasing tariffs and a delay in 5G adoption in India. Telcos warn of no takers for 5G if prices remain the same Telecom companies have recently warned that 5G spectrum rates need to be reasonable, or else the companies will not be able to participate in the 5G auctions: Vodafone: In a recent analyst call, Vodafone MD Ravinder Takkar said that if the base rates for the 5G spectrum are not brought down, there will be no takers for the airwaves, ET has reported. Airtel: “We hope pricing on spectrum is made attractive by the government to ensure India…
