Jio, telcos and automakers clash over India’s V2X spectrum allocation

Automotive and technology groups want shared, fee-free spectrum for vehicle-to-everything safety services, while Reliance Jio and other telcos favour exclusive or auction-led allocation. The regulatory outcome will shape the rollout economics of connected-vehicle services, starting with 4G/LTE and progressing to 5G.

— Filed Fri, 24 Jul, 2026, 11:21 IST · Source ET Small Business · Updated

Indian auto and technology groups seek shared, fee-free V2X spectrum for road safety, while telcos including Reliance Jio want exclusive or auction-led allocation. Industry disputes TRAI’s proposed AGR-linked spectrum fees and says 30MHz may be insufficient.

Why this matters

Jio’s spectrum position follows Q1 net profit of ₹7,764 crore, up 9% on subscriber and ARPU gains, while Macquarie forecasts roughly 12% EBITDA CAGR through FY29 for Jio and Airtel.

Retail-company signals are accelerating, up 1,072,900% QoQ.