India, Oct. 29 -- The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has called for the early implementation of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) recommendations to rationalise microwave backhaul spectrum charges, arguing that the existing pricing structure places a disproportionate cost burden on telecom operators and could constrain network expansion.

In a media statement attributed to Lt Gen Dr SP Kochhar, Director General of COAI, the industry body said a simpler and more predictable charging framework would improve network economics and give operators greater certainty in long-term investment and deployment planning.

Microwave backhaul plays a critical role in carrying traffic between mobile base stations and the c...