Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on a briefing on Wednesday said that Indian 5G spectrum auctions will “most probably” be held sometime in February 2022 and that the government may even try for a January timeline.

Jio had announced a 5G launch by late 2021 back in December 2020. However, postponements in the Indian 5G spectrum auctions and a few other factors have now pushed the date to sometime in 2022.

Speaking to PTI, the minister also said that the Indian telecom reforms package cleared by the Cabinet is sufficient for the survival of players in the industry and that it will ensure healthy competition. He also implied that more players may come in thanks to more reforms and structural changes.

The briefing was held as part of an approval for a blockbuster relief package for the stressed telecom sector in India. The package includes permission to share scarce airwaves, a four-year break for companies from paying statutory dues, a change in the definition of revenue on which levies are paid, and 100 percent foreign investment through the automatic route.

The appointed date for reforms including the moratorium period has been set as October 1. It was also stated that a company has the option to pay the interest amount by way of equity if they’re unable to pay during the moratorium period.

Vaishnaw further added that he had spoken to all key players after Wednesday’s briefing and that companies are happy with the announced set of measures. “All the three big players feel that this was absolutely what was needed,” he said.

On concerns regarding high spectrum prices, the minister said that TRAI is currently consulting and that it is advisable to wait for their final report.

Self-KYC (App based) permitted.
E-KYC rate revised to only One Rupee.
Shifting from Pre- paid to Post-paid and vice-versa will not require fresh KYC.#TelecomReforms#CabinetDecisions pic.twitter.com/3hwL5ocusG

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) September 15, 2021

Lastly, he said that detailed circulars on each of the decisions taken as part of the telecom package will be released by the government soon. The fine print of AGR redefinition that seeks to exclude non-telecom items is expected in 2-3 weeks.

“The thought process behind this reform package is looking at next 25 years timeframe…what are the corrections we need to do, what are the reforms we need to do, structural changes we need to make. All that should lead to benefits for the weakest sections of society, and better facilities for those marginalized and living in far-flung areas,” the minister said.

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