Telecom News
Engaged with govt to find solution to AGR issue post plea dismissal by SC: Vodafone Idea CEO
Vodafone Idea is working with the government to resolve the AGR issue. CEO Akshaya Moondra believes the government can offer relief. He highlighted India's low ARPU and unsustainable data pricing. The government's stake is due to debt conversion, not board intentions. VIL faces financial challenges, seeking AGR waivers.
COAI flags Trai's satcom recommendations; claims assumptions incorrect, low charges unjustifiable
COAI challenges Trai's satcom spectrum recommendations. They allege flawed assumptions leading to unfair spectrum charges. COAI claims this favors satellite services over terrestrial networks. They request DoT to review the recommendations for fairness. COAI emphasizes the need for a level playing field. They argue current proposals undermine competition. COAI wants transparent and equitable regulations.
'Unjustifiably low' satcom spectrum price, says COAI
India's leading telecom operators have strongly criticised the telecom regulator's satcom recommendations, deeming the spectrum pricing as unfairly low and based on flawed assumptions. They argue that the proposals lack transparency, create an uneven playing field, and threaten the sustainability of terrestrial services.
Telcos dial up international roaming perks to take on eSIM companies
As international travel surges, Indian telecom companies are bolstering their roaming services to counter competition from low-cost eSIM providers. These providers offer data-only plans at significantly lower rates, challenging the telcos' traditional revenue streams.
Vodafone Idea posts Rs 7,166 crore loss, plans Rs 20,000 crore fundraise
Vodafone Idea's board has approved raising up to ₹20,000 crore despite a widened net loss of ₹7,166 crore and continued subscriber losses. The company aims to fund its 4G and 5G expansion to curb user churn, while auditors caution about its ability to meet liabilities. Despite challenges, Vi reports improved ARPU and reduced subscriber loss pace.
Telecom revenues set to rise 12–14% this fiscal on tariff hikes
Telecom sector anticipates revenue growth. Operating income may rise 12-14% to Rs 3.5-3.7 lakh crore. Tariff hikes in July 2024 boosted average revenue per user. ARPU is projected to reach Rs 200 in FY25 and Rs 220 by FY26. Data subscriber growth and usage are also increasing. Industry profitability is expected to expand. Capex intensity is likely to moderate.
Indian telecom revenue to grow 10-12 pc in FY26; ARPU likely at Rs 220: ICRA
ICRA forecasts a robust 10-12% growth in the Indian telecom industry's operating income for FY2026, fueled by tariff hikes pushing ARPU to Rs 220. While 5G investments are frontloaded, industry debt is expected to peak in March 2025 before declining. Satellite communication is seen as complementary, not a disruptor, due to higher costs.
Vi's subscriber loss widens in April, Jio leads in gains
Vodafone Idea continues to struggle, losing 600,000 subscribers overall and 1.1 million active users in April, despite expanding 4G and 5G coverage. Reliance Jio led the market with 2.6 million new users, while Airtel's growth slowed to 200,000. Jio also dominates the 5G fixed wireless access segment, highlighting intense competition in the telecom sector.
DTH cos asked to pay ₹16kcr licence fee dues
India's DTH industry faces mounting pressure as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting demands ₹16,000 crore in outstanding license fees from private operators. This demand, exceeding their combined revenue, adds to the sector's woes, including declining subscribers and competition from OTT platforms. Companies are disputing the demands, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
India poised to become 'data capital of the world': Jyotiraditya Scindia
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia predicts India will become the "data capital of the world" within five years, driven by drastically reduced communication costs. Data prices have plummeted by 97% in the last 11 years.
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After backhaul, DoT seeks TRAI's views on pricing for 800/900/1800 MHz, other spectrum bands
The government has requested TRAI's recommendations on the reserve price and modalities for auctioning spectrum in several bands, including 600 MHz, which saw no takers in the 2022 auction. TRAI will also assess the possibility of auctioning newly identified bands and provide recommendations on various aspects like band plan and auction timing.
Artificial intelligence is a generational shift, with its impact far greater than the internet: Sunil Mittal
Sunil Bharti Mittal says AI's impact will surpass the internet. He spoke at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025. Mittal highlighted AI's effect on India's job market. He noted potential difficulties in software engineering. Mittal also emphasized new opportunities AI will create. He urged government support for industry. Mittal called for increased R&D investment and a trade reset.
Trai seeks views on backhaul spectrum pricing in relief push for telcos, Vodafone Idea could benefit most
The telecom regulator, TRAI, is reviewing the pricing and assignment of backhaul airwaves, potentially easing the financial strain on telecom operators like Vodafone Idea. This move, prompted by the new Telecommunications Act, involves seeking stakeholder comments on various spectrum bands and usage models. The consultation addresses pricing, spectrum allocation, and the possibility of license-exempt V-band usage.
Future hazy for BharatNet as Starlink, Kuiper eye rural India's connectivity
India's BharatNet project, aiming to connect rural areas with fibre broadband, faces questions about its future relevance due to the emergence of satellite communication from companies like Starlink and Kuiper. While fibre companies advocate for fibre-only solutions, others suggest a hybrid model incorporating both fibre and satellite, urging the government to consider subsidies for both technologies.
Vodafone Idea board to consider fundraising options on May 30
Vodafone Idea's board is scheduled to convene on May 30 to deliberate on various fundraising avenues, including rights issues, public offerings, private placements, and debt bonds, aiming to alleviate its liquidity crisis. The board will also consider convening an extraordinary general meeting for shareholder approval and review the company's financial performance for the March 2025 quarter and fiscal year 2025.
Reimagine connectivity not as commodity but as constitutional commitment: Union minister Jyotiraditya to telcos
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized that telecom providers should view connectivity not just as a commodity, but as a constitutional commitment, focusing on affordability, availability, accessibility, quality, safety, and emerging technologies like AI and IoT. Speaking at an ISPAI and Nixi event, he highlighted India’s rapid economic growth and telecom sector’s strong CAGR, especially in the northeast.
