DoT terminates spectrum won in 2010-2016 auctions, directs group to cease use and operation of wireless networks

DoT has terminated, with immediate effect, the spectrum assigned to RCOM and its wholly owned subsidiary RTL from the 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 auctions; both must cease use and operation of wireless networks on it.

Tue 6 Oct 2026

Regulatory Action

DoT terminated, with immediate effect, the spectrum assigned from the 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 auctions

Reason Cited by DoT

roll-out and payment defaults

Stated Impact

Company says its resolution plan is impacted

What has happened

Reliance Communications has received communications dated 5 October 2026 from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India. Under these letters, the DoT has terminated with immediate effect the spectrum assigned to Reliance Communications (RCOM) and to Reliance Telecom (RTL), a wholly owned subsidiary, pursuant to auctions held in 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The concerned spectrum assignments stand withdrawn/reverted to the Central Government with immediate effect, and the RCOM group ceases to have any right to use that spectrum.

Why the DoT has acted

The DoT states that the group failed to comply with the applicable terms and conditions of the respective notices inviting applications, including:

• failure to comply with the prescribed roll-out obligations
• default in payment of spectrum usage charges (SUC) and liquidated damages
• default in payment obligations relating to deferred spectrum instalments and other applicable spectrum-related charges

What the company replied, and the DoT's view

In its response, the group primarily relied upon the ongoing Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP), the moratorium under Section 14 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, treatment of the outstanding dues under the CIRP, and the pendency of a review petition before the Supreme Court against the judgment dated 13.2.2026 in Civil Appeal No. 1810 of 2021. The DoT states that the contention about a pending review petition is factually incorrect, as the same stands dismissed by the Supreme Court vide its order dated 28.7.2026, and that the request for keeping the proceedings in abeyance was not acceded to.

What the group has been directed to do

• take all necessary steps to cease and desist from the use and operation of all wireless networks/services based on the spectrum covered by the letters
• comply with all consequential directions that may be issued by the DoT in relation to the same

Which spectrum is covered

• 2010 auction: 5 MHz in each of Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Kolkata, Madhya Pradesh, Mumbai, North East, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan and West Bengal
• 2013 auction (800 MHz): 3.75 MHz each in Delhi, Kolkata, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh (West)
• 2014 auction (1800 MHz): 0.6 MHz in Mumbai
• 2015 auction (800 MHz): Assam 2.5 MHz and 25 MHz; Gujarat 2.5 MHz; Haryana 1.25 MHz; Himachal Pradesh 2.5 MHz; Jammu and Kashmir 2.5 MHz; Kolkata 1.25 MHz; North East 2.5 MHz and 2.5 MHz

What the company says about the impact

The company states that this will have an impact on it, including on the resolution plan, as the resolved plan provides for sale of the right to use spectrum as an asset of the Company. The application for approval of the resolution plan is sub-judice before the Hon'ble NCLT, Mumbai Bench. The further financial and operational implications of the said order are being examined, and the company says it is evaluating the implications of the communication and will take appropriate steps in accordance with applicable laws.

The termination is stated to be without prejudice to any rights and remedies available to the Central Government for recovery of outstanding dues, spectrum instalments, Spectrum Usage Charges (SUC), One-Time Spectrum Charges (OTSC), interest, penalties and any other amounts legally recoverable from the group, and also without prejudice to proceedings pending before any competent court, tribunal or other forum.

Background note

Reliance Communications Limited is under corporate insolvency resolution process pursuant to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. With effect from June 28, 2019, its affairs, business and assets are being managed by, and the powers of the board of directors are vested in, the Resolution Professional, Mr. Anish Niranjan Nanavaty, appointed by the Hon'ble National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench.

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