The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) is advocating for reduced spectrum auction prices ahead of the next auction, stressing that telecom operators have not yet recouped their substantial investments in 5G infrastructure. COAI Director General S P Kochhar stated that the high costs associated with spectrum acquisition pose a challenge for operators still awaiting returns on investment (ROI). The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has recommended auctioning 11,790 MHz of spectrum across various frequency bands, with a base price set at ₹2.1 lakh crore (approximately $25.3 billion USD), which is 19% cheaper than the previous auction in 2022. Kochhar urged the government to consider alternative models, noting that many countries offer spectrum for free but with specific obligations, suggesting that the current auction model may need to evolve with the advent of 5G and the upcoming 6G technologies. He emphasized that the cost of spectrum is the largest capital expenditure for telecom operators, and the government should provide support until operators begin to see ROI.