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Tuesday, February 17, 2026
TopicDepartment of Telecom

Topic: Department of Telecom

Vodafone bailout is problematic. Govt can’t pick favourites in private sector

There was a simpler way to give Vodafone a bailout on its AGR dues without raising the spectre of unequal treatment.

With cap on tariffs, govt makes yet another attempt to revitalise its public WiFi scheme PM-WANI

Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) is aimed at increasing Internet access in country but has failed to garner traction over 4 years since its inception.

Why sector analysts, govt officials & even Airtel chairman are cheering on Vodafone Idea’s FPO

If successful, FPO is expected to not only increase company’s competitiveness & slow its ongoing loss of market share, but also to significantly reduce risk of a duopoly in the industry.

‘Same service, same rules’ — why telcos want regulation for OTT players like Whatsapp, Telegram

Telecom companies reason that OTT players are 'free riding' on their infra, OTTs say 'revenues earned by infra provider should be shared with entity using it in same proportion'.

Changing Vodafone dues to equity ‘complex issue’, but under discussion, says telecom minister

Vodafone Idea has opted for the conversion of nearly Rs 16,000 crore interest on AGR and on spectrum installments into equity issuable to the government.

On Camera

The debate about spheres of influence reorders India’s position

New world reordering tests New Delhi’s strategic autonomy, balancing ties without succumbing to exclusive dominance zones.

Urban co-op banks doubled loan book in 5 yrs, but stuck at under 2% of credit market—Sahakar Trends

UCBs accounted for 1.8% of total industry credit in September 2025—down from 2.2% five yrs ago—showing that they are losing ground to faster PSU banks.

US military commander, envoy Sergio Gor visit Indian Army Western Command, Bengaluru next

At the Western Army Command, the American delegation was briefed on the capabilities of the formation, past operations and the path ahead.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.