Telecom Industry Demands Major Fiscal Relief in Budget 2026

• Telecom operators seek significant fiscal relief in Union Budget 2026-27 to fund 5G expansion and network upgrades.
• COAI proposes reducing license fees from 3% to 0.5%-1% of AGR, arguing it would be revenue-neutral for the government.
• Industry appeals to pause extra contributions to Digital Bharat Nidhi until existing unused funds are fully utilized.
• COAI suggests GST exemption for license fees, Spectrum Usage Charges, and auctioned spectrum payments, or reducing GST to 5% under reverse charge.
• Demands changes in spectrum pricing and assignment framework to prioritize affordability and long-term sustainability for digital infrastructure investment.

Why It Matters: Telecom industry seeks reduced license fees, GST relief, and spectrum policy changes for 5G expansion and network upgrades.