COAI Seeks Reduction in Telecom Licence Fees and GST Relief Ahead of Budget 2026-27

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing major telecom firms like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, has urged the government to reduce regulatory levies ahead of the Union Budget 2026-27. COAI proposes lowering the licence fee from 3 per cent to 0.5-1 per cent to cover administrative costs and pausing contributions to the Digital Bharat Nidhi until existing funds are utilized. It also recommends GST relief on spectrum and regulatory payments, either through exemptions or reducing the GST rate from 18 to 5 per cent, aiming to ease financial burdens and support network expansion aligned with the Viksit Bharat initiative.