Telecom operators Airtel, Jio, and Vi are advocating for governmental reforms that may lower recharge plan prices. In July, these providers increased plan prices, leading to a shift in consumer interest towards BSNL's offerings. Now, industry representatives, through the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), are lobbying to reduce the current 8 percent license fee on telecom revenues, which includes a 5 percent network obligation charge.

The COAI’s proposal suggests reducing this license fee to between 0.5 percent and 1 percent. They argue that lowering fees would allow private telecoms to upgrade networks more efficiently and reduce the financial load. Historically, the license fee was linked to spectrum costs, but after the spectrum allocation moved to a transparent auction model in 2012, COAI argues that the fee should now only cover licensing administration.

SP Kochar, Director General of COAI, emphasizes that the continued high license fees lack justification without the former spectrum-related costs. Adjusting the license fee to administrative expense levels would ease financial pressure on telecoms, allowing them to allocate more resources to network improvements.

Telecom operators highlight that meeting these reform requests would alleviate the combined burden of AGR dues, CSR contributions, GST, and corporate taxes, making it easier to keep pace with technological advancements. At the India Mobile Congress, officials underscored how these fiscal constraints impact their ability to remain competitive with other sectors, noting that easing them could benefit both providers and consumers with potentially more affordable recharge plans.