- DoT issued a ₹26.83 crore demand notice to Vodafone Idea for alleged default in minimum rollout obligations related to spectrum allocated under the 2022 auctions.
- Vodafone Idea stated that operations remain unaffected by the notice and is currently reviewing it to evaluate next steps.
- The notice pertains to liquidated damages for non-compliance with minimum rollout obligations as specified in the Notice Inviting Applications for the 2022 spectrum auction.
- The alleged violation relates to network rollout obligations that telecom operators must fulfill after spectrum assignment under auction guidelines.
- The 2022 auction was significant as it marked India's first sale of 5G airwaves and was the largest spectrum sale the country has ever conducted.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a ₹26.83 crore demand notice to Vodafone Idea (Vi) for alleged non-compliance with minimum rollout obligations associated with spectrum acquired in the 2022 auction.
The notice, received on July 31, cites defaults in network rollout obligations as specified under the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) 2022.
Vodafone Idea stated, “The company is reviewing the notice and evaluating the next steps in this matter,” and emphasized that there is no financial or operational impact on its business at this stage.
The alleged violation pertains to network rollout requirements that telecom operators must fulfill after spectrum assignment.
The 2022 auction was significant, marking India’s first sale of 5G airwaves and the largest spectrum sale in the country’s history, with a total of 51.2 GHz sold across multiple bands.6
Despite the notice, Vodafone Idea's shares closed at ₹13, up 1.09% on the day of the announcement, although the stock has seen a decline of over 10% in the past month.
The company’s exchange filing noted that it is assessing the appropriate course of action regarding the notice, which does not specify the circles or spectrum bands involved.
The telecom operator remains focused on its operations, which continue to be unaffected by the demand notice.
“Vodafone Idea said in an exchange filing that it is reviewing the notice received on July 31 and evaluating next steps. The alleged breach relates to minimum rollout obligations under the Notice Inviting Applications for the 2022 spectrum auction, India's first 5G airwaves sale.”
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