Reliance Communications' auction spectrum terminated over dues and missed roll-outs

On October 6, 2026, Reliance Communications said the Department of Telecommunications had terminated, with immediate effect, the spectrum assigned to it and its wholly owned subsidiary Reliance Telecom from auctions held in 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The assignments were withdrawn or reverted to the Central Government, leaving the two companies without the right to use that spectrum.

The termination communications were dated October 5, 2026, and came after DoT's July 8, 2026 notices asked the RCom group to clear its entire outstanding dues and respond to why the assignments should not be terminated. RCom submitted its response on August 7, 2026; the department proceeded anyway.

DoT's stated grounds: the group failed to comply with roll-out obligations under Section 3.4 of the 2010 NIA and defaulted on payment of spectrum usage charges, liquidated damages and other charges levied by the department. RCom said it is evaluating the implications and will take appropriate steps under applicable law.

Spectrum from the 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 auctions reverted to the government immediately; financial impact still being assessed

The RCom group defaulted on payment of spectrum usage charges, liquidated damages and other charges levied by DoT.

The group also failed to meet the roll-out obligations required under Section 3.4 of the 2010 NIA terms.

After the July 8 notice to clear all dues, the group's August 7 response did not stop the termination — the unpaid charges and missed obligations remained.

Spectrum rights are a lease with conditions — years of unpaid charges and unmet roll-out promises end with the government repossessing the airwaves.

The spectrum assignments stood withdrawn immediately and reverted to the government. RCom told the exchanges that the further financial and operational implications were being examined and that it would take appropriate steps in accordance with applicable laws.