Relief for telecom operators, Centre waives bank guarantee for pre-’22 spectrum auction

The Union Cabinet has waived the requirement to submit bank guarantees for spectrum purchased through auctions held before 2022, according to sources.

The move brings huge relief to debt-ridden Vodafone Idea, which has already crossed the timeline to submit a ₹24,746.9 crore bank guarantee for spectrum payments between October 2025 and September 2026.