DoT

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced a suspension of new telecom permit approvals effective November 10, 2025, citing the need to reassess regulatory frameworks and spectrum allocation. The move impacts new market entrants and may temporarily slow the pace of network expansion in certain regions. Industry experts suggest that the suspension is part of a broader effort to streamline licensing, ensure compliance with financial obligations, and maintain fair competition in the sector.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has refused to grant adjusted gross revenue (AGR) relief to Vodafone Idea, reinforcing the ongoing financial stress within India’s telecom sector. The decision comes amid mounting debt, high spectrum liabilities, and competitive pressures that have challenged the profitability of telecom operators. Vodafone Idea, already navigating operational constraints and regulatory obligations, must now manage its cash flows and repayment schedules without relief on AGR dues.

In a strategic decision aimed at maintaining leadership continuity amid critical restructuring efforts, the government has extended the tenure of Ravi Robert Jerard as Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL). Jerard’s extended stewardship comes at a pivotal time for India’s state-owned telecom giants, which are navigating complex revival plans involving financial restructuring, network modernization, and workforce realignments.

India’s Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), a government-backed telecom R&D entity, is set to generate a projected Rs. 1,000 crore in revenue in the current fiscal year, marking a significant leap in its commercial and technological evolution. In addition to this, a government grant of Rs. 400 crore will bolster its capabilities. Minister of State for Telecom, Dr.

India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has initiated a fresh review of spectrum demand for Captive Non-Public Networks (CNPNs), also known as private 5G networks. This marks the second demand survey since provisions for CNPNs were introduced in mid-2022. With enterprise adoption still in its early stages, and telecom operators opposing direct spectrum allocation to private entities, the DoT aims to identify viable frequency bands better aligned with global device ecosystems. Stakeholders, including companies with a net worth above Rs.

India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has initiated a fresh evaluation of spectrum demand for captive non-public networks (CNPNs), commonly referred to as private 5G networks. This reassessment comes amid limited adoption and pushback from telecom operators who oppose direct spectrum allocation to enterprises. The DoT aims to identify more viable frequency bands and bolster the technology ecosystem. As industrial interest grows, particularly among system integrators, the government is seeking input from high-net-worth enterprises by July 31.

India’s telecom production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, launched in April 2021 to boost domestic manufacturing, has disbursed Rs. 1,162 crore in incentives to 21 of 42 eligible manufacturers by March 31, 2025. Despite ambitious targets — including Rs. 4,115 crore in allocated incentives, Rs. 2.45 lakh crore in sales generation, and over 44,000 jobs — the scheme has faced hurdles such as non-achievement of production thresholds and concerns over white-labeling of imported products. Beneficiaries have reported Rs.

India's Sanchar Saathi platform, a key digital initiative by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has successfully helped trace more than 20 lakh lost or stolen mobile devices, reinforcing the government’s commitment to securing its digital infrastructure. Minister of State for Telecommunications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani highlighted the platform’s achievements during a recent review meeting, revealing that over 33.5 lakh phones have been blocked through the system, with nearly 4.64 lakh returned to their rightful owners.

Reliance Jio, India’s leading telecom operator, has approached the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), seeking authorization to utilize the 26 GHz frequency band for Wi-Fi services. The move signals Jio’s intent to maximize its spectrum holdings acquired during the 2022 auction, where it emerged as the top bidder with an outlay of Rs. 88,078 crore. However, regulatory protocols mandate prior approval when repurposing 5G spectrum for alternative technologies.