Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL), the third-largest telecom operator in India, may not get the same kind of relief from the government it got for the adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. For AGR dues, the telco said that the government has given it a ten year breather, with a minimal amount payable every year till 2036. However, the analysts expect that the same kind of relief may not be extended to Vodafone Idea for its spectrum dues.
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JM Financial, in a research note, said, "Vodafone Idea also owes ~?1.22 lakh crore spectrum dues to the government; and is required to make a payment of ?2,500 crore in FY26E, ?7,000 crore in FY27E, ~?15,000 crore in FY28E, and ~?27,000 crore over FY29–FY32E, as per our understanding, in lieu of spectrum dues."
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The industry peers have already repaid most of the spectrum dues. Thus, any major relief on the spectrum dues is unlikely to come for Vi. As for the AGR dues, it will be interesting to see if Airtel will approach the government for getting some relief on its dues as well. While Airtel has the financial capacity to pay off the dues comfortably, the telco has maintained that any relief offered to one player, should be extended to every other industry player to ensurea fair playfield.
