The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the Tower and Infrastructure Providers' Association and Reliance Communications (RCOM) have reportedly written to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) requesting it to grant the telecom space the status of “essential services.”

Also, these industry associations have said that the telecom infrastructure space not be bought under the uniform licensing regime and that the sector be given tax benefits for 20 years.

Specifically, COAI has said that companies making use of green technologies and tower companies with a limited carbon footprint ought to be given various incentives, such as fuel subsidies.

COAI added that mobile tower sharing ought to be encouraged and uniform rules pertaining to right of way and land acquisition be framed.