<h1>Vodafone Idea must secure bank guarantee or pay dues by March 2025 for 2015 spectrum shortfall.</h1> The Department of Telecom has instructed Vodafone Idea to provide a bank guarantee of Rs 6,090.7 crore or pay Rs 5,493.2 crore in cash by March 10, 2025, due to a shortfall in payments for spectrum acquired in 2015. Vodafone Idea is negotiating to settle the dues through equity. As of December 2024, the company has significant outstanding debts, including Rs 2,345.1 crore from banks and Rs 2.27 lakh crore in deferred spectrum and AGR payments. The government holds a 23.15% stake in the company, with other major shareholders being Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group.