Budget 2026 wishlist: Telcos seek cut in regulatory levies

Telcos’ industry body COAI has sought reduction in regulatory levies, including in licence fee to 0.5-1% from three%, in the upcoming Budget.

In its submission to the government, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) suggested that funds to the Digital Bharat Nidhi should be paused till the time unused corpus is completely utilised by the telecom department.

COAI members include Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea.