Indus Towers shares gain 5%, Voda Idea drops 2% amid Rs 2,800 crore block deal
Indus Tower Share Price: Vodafone has fully exited Indus Towers via a Rs 2,800 crore block deal, causing Indus Towers' shares to rise while Vodafone Idea's dipped. Vodafone will use the proceeds to repay debt and potentially invest in Vodafone Idea, which plans a Rs 2,000 crore fundraise. Airtel beats Reliance Jio & Vodafone Idea in revenue share gains for Q2
Bharti Airtel emerged as the sole gainer in revenue market share among major Indian telecom companies in the second quarter of the fiscal year. This gain was driven by industry-wide tariff increases and strong growth in mobile broadband and postpaid users. Arcane Season 2 Part 2: Here’s release date, time, where to watch and upcoming episode schedule
Arcane Season 2 Part 2 returns with Episodes 4-6 on November 16, 2024, available on Netflix. The new season delves deeper into the intense conflict between Piltover and Zaun. Arcane Season 2: What we know about release date, cast and plot
Netflix has scheduled the release of Arcane Season 2. Episodes will drop weekly from November 9, 2024. The season brings back Vi, Jinx, and Caitlyn in a story centered on conflict and loyalty. Vodafone Idea in talks with DoT to remove need for bank guarantees
Vodafone Idea is in talks with the Department of Telecommunications to waive bank guarantee requirements for spectrum acquired before 2022. The company needs to submit guarantees worth over Rs 24,700 crore in the upcoming months. Similar waivers could benefit competitors Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. DoT sends notice to Vi for not submitting bank guarantees
The Department of Telecommunications has issued a notice to Vodafone Idea for failing to submit bank guarantees for past spectrum auction dues. Despite initial rejections, a waiver is being reconsidered due to Vi's financial situation and recent reforms, potentially benefiting other companies as well. New TRAI rule to come into effect from October 1. Here's what it means for Jio, Airtel, and Vi users
TRAI has introduced a new rule requiring telecom companies to provide information about network availability on their websites. This helps users check which networks are available in their area. Additionally, TRAI is cracking down on spam calls by blocking unregistered telemarketers and considering higher tariffs for excessive calls and messages. Vodafone Idea shares nosedive 16% in a month. What should investors do?
VI Share Price: Vodafone Idea shares have dropped 16% in a month and 20% this year, following Goldman Sachs' negative outlook. The brokerage firm predicts further market share loss despite recent capital raises. Analysts suggest the stock is volatile with support at Rs 11.80, but caution about potential further declines. Vodafone Idea dials PFC, REC for funding needs; funds required to meet 3-yr capex & maintenance costs
Vodafone Idea has approached state-owned lenders Power Finance Corp. and REC Ltd for loans to cover a ?25,000 cr funding gap. The funds are needed for capital expenditure and maintenance over the next three years. Discussions are also ongoing with the State Bank of India for partial funding. Vodafone Idea revenue market share hits all-time low in Q1 FY25
Vodafone Idea's revenue market share has dropped to a record low of 15% in the fiscal first quarter, losing ground to Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. Experts believe the recent Rs 24,000-crore equity fundraise could help Vi improve its 4G coverage and roll out 5G services, enhancing its competitive position. Samsung frontrunner to bag network deals from Vi
Samsung is set to win network deals from Vodafone Idea (Vi) to replace Chinese 4G gear in four telecom circles. This $70 million contract could expand to include 5G equipment, marking a significant breakthrough for Samsung in the Indian telecom market. Vodafone Idea asked to pay Rs 15.19 cr GST, penalty of Rs 1.51 cr
Vodafone Idea has been ordered by the GST office in Patna to pay Rs 15.19 crore along with a penalty of Rs 1.51 crore for availing ineligible input tax credits in FY20 and FY21. The company disagrees with the order and plans to take legal action. The order was received on August 28, citing input tax credit issues for the fiscal years 2019-20 and 2020-21. Vi may diverge from rivals on 5G, likely to price it cheaper
Vodafone Idea may offer lower 5G service prices than rivals Jio and Airtel, according to CEO Akshaya Moondra. While exact launch dates remain undisclosed, the company is finalizing 5G rollout plans. Vi expects some revenue boost from recent tariff hikes, even as some users migrate to BSNL due to increased prepaid rates. Vi's loss shrinks to Rs 6,432 crore in Q1FY25; subs churn continues
Vodafone Idea reduced its net loss to Rs 6434.4 crore in Q1 FY25 from Rs 7675 crore in the prior quarter. Operating costs remained stable, but the company continued to lose customers. Revenue dipped slightly, and the subscriber base decreased. However, the 4G subscriber count saw a minimal increase. Vodafone Idea Q1 Results: Losses narrow to Rs 6,432 crore; revenue down marginally
Vodafone Idea has narrowed its losses to Rs 6,432 crore for the first quarter ended June 2024, compared with Rs 7675 crore reported in the preceding March 2024 quarter and Rs 7840 crore in the last year quarter. A 4G boost for struggling Vodafone Idea as extra waves freed in key band
The Department of Space allocated an additional 20 MHz spectrum in the 2500 MHz band for mobility, aiding Vodafone Idea (Vi) by offering a contiguous block for better 4G services. The harmonisation facilitates future auctions, which could attract interests from operators like Vi or BSNL for the enhanced spectrum portfolio. Indus Towers' trade receivables to stabilise depending on Vi's payment clearance
Indus Towers' management foresees a delay in stabilising trade receivables, dependent on Vodafone Idea's clearance of past dues. Receivables dropped 11.3% to Rs 5,722 crore in Q1 with improved Vi collections but no fixed timeline yet. Indus CFO mentioned ongoing payment plan discussions with Vi. Indus initiated a share buyback, excluding major stakeholder Bharti Airtel; Indus reported a 43% YoY profit increase in Q1 FY25 driven by Airtel's 5G rollout and Vi overdue recoveries. SAR Televenture signs pact to deploy 4G sites for Vodafone Idea
The deal is part of Vi's larger network expansion plan, "for which they have started locking-in vendors", SAR MD Rahul Sahdev told ET. "We are aiming for a deeper partnership with Vi as there is no operational hitch after the company concluded fundraising recently." Vodafone Idea offers to clear remaining Nokia dues of Rs 1,500 crore
Vodafone Idea plans to settle its remaining ?1,500 crore dues to Nokia by December 2025 through cash installments. Earlier, Vi issued equity shares to Nokia to clear half of its ?3,000 crore debt. Despite payment delays, Vi is negotiating with Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung for network equipment. Vi allots Rs 615 crore of shares to Nokia, Ericsson via preferential issue
Vi added that following this allotment, the telco’s paid-up share capital stands increased to Rs 684,540,864,730, comprising 68,454,086,473 equity shares of the face value of Rs 10 each. Vi expands L900 technology in Kolkata to enhance network infrastructure
Vi has also acquired additional spectrum in the recently concluded spectrum auction, committing Rs 31 crore for 0.4Mhz of spectrum in the 900 Mhz band in Kolkata Circle and Rs 376 crore for 7.6 Mhz of spectrum in the 900 Mhz band in West Bengal Circle. Airtel and Jio expected to log steady growth, Vi may falter
Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel are expected to show steady growth in the June quarter, driven by strong broadband user additions, while Vodafone Idea (Vi) is likely to experience a dip in revenue due to ongoing customer losses. Airtel is anticipated to outperform Jio in terms of average revenue per user (ARPU) due to 2G-to-4G conversions and rising postpaid adoption. Vi's ARPU is expected to remain stagnant amidst limited 4G user gains. Vodafone UK may offer Rs 2,000 crore equity topup to Vi
Vi may also make more substantial payments to Indus towards cutting its dues after the telco raises debt of ?23,000-25,000 crore through term loans as planned, analysts added. After the recent sale of its 18% stake in Indus, UK's Vodafone holds 3.1% of the tower company and is said to be in talks with Bharti Airtel to sell these shares, people familiar said. Stars are aligning! Vodafone Idea share price targets increase after tariff hike
Vodafone Idea's target price sees a boost post-tariff hike, reflecting industry trends. Kotak Equities emphasizes low ARPU in India and the need for Jio to seize monetization opportunities. After Jio, Airtel and Vi answer revenue call, dial up tariffs
While Airtel and Jio - which dominate the market - say they need to improve returns after paying high prices for 5G airwaves in 2022, Vi is looking to back up its recent ?23,000 crore equity fundraising efforts as it strives to become more competitive, stem user losses and repair a stressed balance sheet to pay vendors and statutory dues. Analysts said the three telcos will see a 13-17% rise in ARPU with the main effect being felt in second and third quarters of this fiscal year. ET Explains: All about vRAN and what it means for Vi
Vodafone Idea (Vi) has completed trials using Samsung's virtualised RAN (vRAN) technology, which is expected to bring substantial cost savings to the telco compared to legacy hardware infrastructure. vRAN is a technology that allows for the complete running of baseband functions as software on commonly available hardware, reducing server or processor capacity at sites. It also allows for the centralisation of some processing functions to local nodes, reducing server or processor capacity at sites. Vodafone Idea acquires Rs 3,510 crore worth of airwaves in 11 circles
India's Vodafone Idea has spent Rs 3,510 crore to acquire 50MHz of spectrum in 11 circles, strengthening its 4G portfolio and launching 5G services. The acquisition will enable the use of dedicated sub-GHz spectrum for advanced technologies and customer experience. Vodafone Idea has also held 5G trials in three network circles using Samsung's virtual Radio Access Network (vRAN) solutions. Vodafone Idea in talks with Samsung to expand 4G networks, roll out 5G
Vodafone Idea (Vi) has initiated 5G trials in three network circles using Samsung's virtual Radio Access Network (vRAN) technology on a non-standalone architecture. The trials, aimed at expanding its 4G and introducing 5G services, took place in Chennai, Karnataka, and Bihar. Despite its financial challenges and lagging behind rivals Airtel and Jio in 5G rollout, Vi fulfills its 5G spectrum obligations from the 2022 auction with these trials. ET Graphics: A look at telecom industry's top carriers ahead of India's second 5G spectrum sale
India’s second 5G spectrum sale starts on Tuesday, featuring bids from top carriers Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi). This sale is expected to run for a day or a day-and-a-half and is anticipated to be a low-key affair. Only 10.5 GHz of 5G airwaves are available this time, significantly less than the 72 GHz offered in the country's first 5G spectrum auction in July 2022. Vi completes minimum 5G rollout requirements
Vodafone Idea (Vi) has announced completion of its Minimum Rollout Obligations (MRO) across all 17 circles where it acquired 5G spectrum in August 2022. This step is essential for commencing 5G services, although Vi has yet to announce detailed rollout plans due to financial constraints. Unlike its competitors Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, which have almost completed nationwide 5G rollouts, Vi plans to gradually expand its network starting with equipment orders to vendors like Nokia and Ericsson. Buoyed by ?18,000 crore fund-raise, Vi beefs up 4G coverage, network in UP, Uttarakhand
The company plans to add a 900 MHz band layer, which will significantly enhance indoor network experience for its customers in the two circles. “The deployment of L900 coverage will be beneficial in urban areas with dense building infrastructure, as well as suburban and rural areas where signal penetration is a challenge,” Vi said in a statement Thursday. Vi dials lenders for Rs 23,000 cr term loans, seeks Rs 10,000 cr in bank guarantees
Vodafone Idea (Vi) proposes borrowing Rs 23,000 crore in term loans and seeks Rs 10,000 crore in bank guarantees to enhance its telecom infrastructure and compete with Reliance Jio and Airtel. Amid delays in clearing dues, Vodafone Idea confident of support from operational creditors
Vodafone Idea (Vi) remains optimistic that its operational creditors, including network equipment suppliers Nokia and Ericsson, as well as tower vendor Indus, will maintain their support despite payment delays. Vi expects its forthcoming 4G and 5G initiatives to generate new business opportunities for these partners. According to Bharti Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal, Vi must settle all outstanding dues with Indus to continue using the tower company’s infrastructure for future services like 5G. What clearing vendor dues via equity means for firms
Vodafone Idea's board approved preferential allotment of equity shares to Nokia and Ericsson to clear dues. Vi's vendor ATC Telecom also benefitted from stock market gains. Vi's move to dilute equity for debt repayment is uncommon in listed companies. Vi board gives nod to raising Rs 2,458 crore through preferential issue of shares to Nokia, Ericsson
Telecom company Vodafone Idea (Vi) plans to raise upto Rs 2,458 crore through a preferential issue of equity shares to its two European gear vendors Nokia and Ericsson, clearing part of their pending dues and setting stage for Vi’s 4G expansion and 5G rollout. Vodafone Idea may issue equity shares to Nokia, Ericsson to settle dues
Telecom company Vodafone Idea (Vi) has said that itrs board will meet on Thursday to consider issuing equity shares or convertible securities on a preferential basis to its vendors. Vi needs 2.2x ARPU jump to meet payout obligations
Vi’s ARPU, they said, needs to jump 2.2x to around Rs 320 by FY27—from Rs 146 now—even if the cash-strapped telco sees a 50% cut in its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) liability to Rs 35,000 crore via a favourable Supreme Court verdict on its curative plea. As per company data, Vi’s total AGR dues were pegged at Rs 70,320 crore in the quarter to March 2024. Voda Idea launches extra data for new 4G and 5G smartphone users
Vodafone Idea (Vi) has introduced 'Vi Guarantee Program' offering 130GB extra data for 4G and 5G smartphone users. Users receive 10GB every 28 days for 13 cycles. Chief Marketing Officer Avneesh Khosla stated the program aims to enhance data experience. Available to users on specific plans, excluding certain regions. Aimed at maximizing smartphone potential. Voda Idea says it’s in talks with Ericsson and other network vendors for buying 5G gear, shares jump 12% on BSE
Earlier this week, Ericsson India MD Nitin Bansal had told ET that the Swedish gear maker is hopeful of getting some 4G/5G deals from Vi soon, especially after the beleaguered telco recently raised over Rs 20,000 crore via the equity route. Telco EMDs for June 5G sale lowest since 2014 auction: Analysts
India's top telcos submit low earnest money deposits (EMDs) for the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, marking the lowest since 2014. Analysts suggest selective bidding, foreseeing maximum spectrum demand of $2.5 billion, far below previous auctions. Reliance Jio leads EMDs; Airtel and Vi likely focus on renewals and selective bidding for 5G rollout. Vi fundraising may not click until new govt comes online
Vi’s lenders are seeking clarity on future equity conversions by the government, as well as the outcome of the telco’s curative plea in Supreme Court over an earlier order on its arrears based on adjusted gross revenue. These issues, according to bankers, will ultimately determine the cash-strapped company’s future regulatory payment obligations, especially after the moratorium on the payment ends next year. Less enthusiasm on the spectrum front
Airtel has to top up on spectrum that is lapsing in select telecom circles. Jio can afford to take it easy after having cornered the biggest chunk of airwaves put up for sale in the previous round of auctions in 2022. In the event, Jio still remains the most hungry for spectrum, signalling its interest to buy three times as much as Airtel, and 10 times as much as Vi. Signalling clarity on payment approach: Vi may give government more equity to clear its bills
Vodafone Idea (Vi) CEO Akshaya Moondra discussed the telco's strategy to address government dues, including further conversions into equity and utilizing internal accruals. With obligations towards spectrum and AGR payments, Vi aims to leverage these methods before the moratorium ends in September 2025. Moondra also emphasized the viability of tariff hikes post-elections, highlighting the essential nature of mobile services. Vi is actively planning 5G rollouts, aiming for key city deployments over the next six months. Vodafone Idea plans to open more retail outlets: Executive
Empowered by a recent infusion of equity funding, Vodafone Idea (Vi) aims to expand its network of retail outlets throughout this fiscal year. This strategic move is designed to bolster sales and enhance customer loyalty, essential for the financially constrained telecom operator to heighten its competitive stance against formidable adversaries like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. Vi investment focus on 4G and 5G: CEO Akshaya Moondra
Vodafone Idea CEO Akshaya Moondra has announced plans to invest in 4G services expansion and 5G rollouts, announcing the successful completion of a ?18,000-crore follow-on public offer (FPO) subscribed seven times. The telco is committed to customer satisfaction and aims to deliver high-quality service. The joint venture between Vodafone and Aditya Birla Group has set aside over ?12,000 crore for 4G expansion and 5G rollouts, with ?5,720 crore allocated for 5G rollouts. Voda Idea's Rs 18,000-crore FPO a significant milestone, says CEO Akshaya Moondra
“We are ready for a new chapter of growth and innovation that is empowered by our state-of-the-art network, advanced technology and unwavering commitment towards customer satisfaction,” Moondra wrote in a letter to customers Friday. Vi expects to clear all vendor dues in FY26, say analysts
According to Vodafone Idea management, proceeds from Rs 18,000 crore FPO and proposed Rs 25,000 crore debt funding would enable telco to also upgrade network, say analysts. Indus Towers facing a Rs 60 cr shortfall in collections from Vodafone Idea in Q4
Indus Towers received an additional Rs 360 crore from Vodafone Idea (Vi) for old dues, but analysts note a Rs 60 crore shortfall in collections. Despite this, Indus' trade receivables increased by Rs 430 crore sequentially in Q4FY24, reflecting the delayed collection of Vi's past outstandings, ultimately settled in April. ATC Telecom Infra sells 2.8% stake in Voda Idea for ?1,840 crore
ATC Telecom Infrastructure sold a 2.8% stake to Vodafone Idea, worth ?1,840 crore, in an open market transaction. Citigroup Global bought shares worth ?611 crore, with other buyers remaining unknown. Last month, ATC converted debentures allotted by Vodafone Idea into equity, and in January 2024, Canada's Brookfield acquired ATC's India unit in a $2.5 billion deal. Vi recently raised ?18,000 crore through a follow-on public offer, priced at ?10-11 per share. Voda Idea a national asset, FPO sets stage for 2.0: KM Birla
Voda Idea a national asset, FPO sets stage for 2.0: KM Birla“Vi is not just a telecom company. It’s a national asset with 215 million users and about 8000 MHz spectrum. That so many marquee investors participated in this equity issuance is a testament to the government’s vision of a digital India,” Birla said in an official statement following Vi’s FPO listing on the NSE Thursday. Vi shares jump nearly 6% a day after Rs 18,000 crore FPO sails through
5.5 lakh retail investors buy Vodafone Idea shares in Q4
5.5 lakh retail investors buy Vodafone Idea shares in Q4Vodafone Idea's retail investor shareholding surged by 55 lakh post FPO. Individual investor stake reached 6.17%. Mutual funds stake dropped to 2.06%. Company updated exchanges on shareholding. Telecom operator successfully raised Rs 18,000 crore. UK’s Vodafone offers ‘no comment’ on Voda Idea backing
UK’s Vodafone offers ‘no comment’ on Voda Idea backing“The only position which Vodafone Group has taken and that is because of their own shareholders who have said that please ringfence the Indian operations with Indian assets. So, their source of funding is limited to their stake in Indus and generally if one has to look at monetization of Indus, then they would want Indus to get to its fair value. It has actually re-rated quite a lot.” Why this maverick investor is betting on Vodafone Idea
Why this maverick investor is betting on Vodafone IdeaAmerica's GQG Partners, known for successful bets on Adani companies, is now investing $400 million in Vodafone Idea's share sale, a move seen as a major endorsement for the struggling telecom giant. Vi, facing massive debt and structural issues, hopes the fund-raise will strengthen its position in the market. Voda-Idea raises Rs 5,400 cr from anchors, GQG may invest $400m
Voda-Idea raises Rs 5,400 cr from anchors, GQG may invest $400mForeign institutional investors such as GQG Partners, UBS, AustralianSuper, Fidelity, Redwheel Funds, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Allspring Global Investments, Morgan Stanley Investment Funds, Government Pension Fund Global, Copthall Mauritius Investment, and Societe Generale were among those that subscribed to the telco's anchor book. Vodafone Idea's Rs 18,000 cr FPO may attract big investors. Is it worth your money?
Vodafone Idea raised Rs 5,400 crore from nearly 60 anchor investors
Vodafone Idea raised Rs 5,400 crore from nearly 60 anchor investorsAccording to sources, institutions such as GQG Partners, UBS, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, AustralianSuper, Fidelity, and domestic mutual funds like Quant and Motilal Oswal were among those that subscribed to the telecom operator's anchor book. Sources indicate that over 70% of the anchor investors are foreign institutions. Vodafone Idea expects 5G rollout in 6-9 months after FPO
ATC India asks Vi to convert big chunk of debentures into equity
Investors warm up to Vi, but put the fundraising call on hold amid stock fluctuation
Won’t renew fractional spectrum which can’t be used for new tech: Voda Idea
Won’t renew fractional spectrum which can’t be used for new tech: Voda IdeaVodafone Idea (Vi) surrenders fractional spectrum in 900MHz and 1800MHz bands in select circles including Uttar Pradesh (West) and West Bengal due to incompatibility with new network technology. Vi plans to fully switch off its 3G network in FY25 and refarm its airwaves for 4G, boosting overall network capacity. Vi eyes 40% of revenues from 5G in over two years
Vi eyes 40% of revenues from 5G in over two yearsIn its presentation, the telecom JV between UK's Vodafone and India's Aditya Birla Group, said its delayed entry into the country's next-gen wireless broadband turf would help it access the latest advances in 5G technology in a cost-efficient way. It added that 90% of its radio gear is already 5G-ready. Another strategic focus is refarming its airwaves in the 900 MHz and 2100 MHz bands as part of plans to expand the telco's 4G coverage in its 17 priority markets. D-St punishes Vi amid skepticism over fundraising
D-St punishes Vi amid skepticism over fundraisingThe telco has made several efforts to raise capital in the past. Its board had in September 2020 given approval to raise ?25,000 crore including in equity, and the company had held talks with banks for debt funding. But these efforts have not been successful so far. In relief for Vi & Adani, DoT mulls waiving 5G minimum rollout fine
In relief for Vi & Adani, DoT mulls waiving 5G minimum rollout fineWhile Vodafone Idea had bought spectrum in the 26 GHz band as well as in the mid-band (3300-3600 MHz), Adani bought airwaves only in the 26 GHz band. Vodafone Idea bought mid-band spectrum in 17 circles and 26 GHz airwaves in 16 circles whereas Adani bought spectrum in six circles. With new fund infusion, does Vodafone Idea stand a chance of revival?
With new fund infusion, does Vodafone Idea stand a chance of revival?Vodafone Idea, struggling under debt, has announced a refinancing plan of up to Rs 45,000 crore. The capital infusion aims to pay off dues, expand 4G and roll out 5G. However, challenges like debt servicing and government payouts remain. Survival is crucial for India's telecom sector. Mavenir and Red Hat collaborate to provide cloud-native open RAN solution for Vodafone Idea
Airtel wins on active user score in Dec, Jio on 4G/5G additions: Trai
Airtel wins on active user score in Dec, Jio on 4G/5G additions: TraiIn December 2023, Bharti Airtel outpaced Reliance Jio in adding active users, driven by robust mobile broadband gains, while Vodafone Idea (Vi) continued to lose users, indicating its ongoing struggle against its larger competitors. Airtel added 3 million active users, Jio added 1.21 million, and Vi lost 1.84 million. Airtel's active user base reached 377.54 million, Jio's rose to 424.51 million, and Vi's shrank to 196.68 million. BSNL's employees union urges government action to utilize Vi's 4G network
Vodafone Idea asks SC for early hearing of its curative petition on AGR
Vi adds Swiggy One Membership to its bundled pack
Vi adds Swiggy One Membership to its bundled packVodafone Idea (Vi) has introduced Swiggy One membership as part of its bundled offerings for postpaid mobile recharges. Vi Max Postpaid users on specific plans will have access to Swiggy One membership, valued at over Rs 2500, at no extra cost. Services to users won’t suffer, says Vi after Tata Comm terminates deal
Revenue growth on cards for Jio, Airtel; user loss to weigh on Vodafone Idea
Revenue growth on cards for Jio, Airtel; user loss to weigh on Vodafone IdeaAnalysts belive strong broadband user growth and a surge in data consumption driven by the recent Cricket World Cup will help Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel report sequential revenue growth in their mobile business in India in the fiscal third quarter. Vodafone Idea's mobile revenue, though, is likely to remain stagnant sequentially in the December quarter, stung by heavy customer losses. Vodafone Idea denies Starlink talks
Vodafone Idea denies Starlink talks“In this regard, we would like to submit that the company is not in any such discussion with the named party. We are not aware of the basis of the said news item,” Vodafone Idea said in a regulatory filing. Telcos unveil special packages to catch the eye of premium users
Telcos unveil special packages to catch the eye of premium usersThe competition for premium customers among India's leading mobile carriers is escalating, with Reliance Jio introducing more expensive prepaid mobile plans that include extensive over-the-top (OTT) entertainment benefits. In response, Vodafone Idea (Vi) has launched a 365-day recharge pack priced at ?3,199, offering an annual Amazon Prime video subscription for prepaid users, along with unlimited voice calls, 100 text messages, and 730GB of data. Waiver provisions scrapped, new telecom bill may derail Voda Idea recovery: Experts
TDSAT directs DoT to adjust excess Rs 755.52 cr collected from Voda Idea towards statutory dues
Vodafone Idea close to selling fibre assets, eyes up to Rs 12,000 crore
Vodafone Idea close to selling fibre assets, eyes up to Rs 12,000 croreVi had tried to sell its fibre assets and data centre business in 2019, but the deal could not be concluded due to differences over valuation. The company has over 160,000 km of optic fibre and, since wired broadband is set to be a big revenue stream, Vi is hopeful of closing the deal at a good valuation. No plans to take over Vodafone Idea: Government
No plans to take over Vodafone Idea: GovernmentThe government became the largest stakeholder in Vi with 33.1% stake in February this year, when the telecom department converted the firm’s accrued interest on deferred adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues worth Rs 16,133 crore into equity. Vodafone Idea halts revenue market share decline in Q2
Vodafone Idea halts revenue market share decline in Q2?The telecom JV between UK's Vodafone Plc and India's Aditya Birla Group reported a steady 16.3% RMS in the fiscal second quarter-unchanged from the number reported in the April-June period-data collated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) showed. Vi had last reined in its RMS fall two years ago in Q2FY22. Reliance Jio adds active users at cost to Airtel, Vi’s 2G base
Reliance Jio adds active users at cost to Airtel, Vi’s 2G baseReliance Jio emerged as the sole telco to gain active mobile users in August 2023, while Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) experienced declines, as per telecom regulator data. Analysts noted Jio's success in attracting older rivals' 2G users through the popular Jio Bharat feature phone amidst rising demand. Jio expanded its active user base to 417 million with an addition of 1.2 million users, while Airtel and Vi dwindled to 376 million and 199 million, respectively, shedding 0.4 million and 2.9 million active users each. Vodafone Idea to make significant investments to roll out 5G: KM Birla
Vodafone Idea to make significant investments to roll out 5G: KM BirlaVodafone Idea is set to make significant investments in rolling out 5G networks and expanding 4G coverage throughout India, said Kumar Mangalam Birla, additional director, Vodafone Idea. This commitment was announced at the 7th India Mobile Congress, reflecting the company's determination to support the government's vision, including initiatives like OpenRAN. Indus Towers PAT up 49% in Q2, Vi challenges remain
Voda Idea's survival critical for Indus Towers, says Bharti Enterprises' Akhil Gupta
Voda Idea's survival critical for Indus Towers, says Bharti Enterprises' Akhil GuptaAkhil Gupta, vice chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has stated that the survival of Vodafone Idea (Vi) is crucial for the growth of Indus Towers, in which Bharti Airtel holds the largest stake. Gupta believes that Vi's investment in 4G and eventual rollout of 5G will drive Indus' growth. He also expects 5G monetization to come from increased data consumption and fixed wireless services, with potential for accelerated fixed broadband adoption. Gupta emphasized the importance of having three fully functional private operators in the Indian telecom industry. Vi launches travel offer for pre-paid user base
Vi launches travel offer for pre-paid user baseThe offer, which is exclusive to users of Vi’s mobile application, includes a raffle of sorts that will allow users to win travel coupons on the EaseMyTrip portal and additional data on select packages by recharging their prepaid mobile number during the offer window. After Vodafone Idea clarification, Verizon too denies Vi acquisition rumours
India plans graded customs duties on telecom components to boost domestic manufacturing
India plans graded customs duties on telecom components to boost domestic manufacturingIndia is planning to impose customs duties on telecom components in a phased manner to discourage imports and promote domestic manufacturing. The Department of Telecommunications is considering an initial 10% import duty from January, increasing to 15% by October next year. The move is part of the government's Phased Manufacturing Programme, which aims to boost local production and value addition in the telecom sector. Vi pays Rs 1701 crore to DoT for 5G spectrum acquired in 2022 auction
Vi pays Rs 1701 crore to DoT for 5G spectrum acquired in 2022 auctionThis the second installment for spectrum acquired in last year’s auction where Vodafone Idea had bought 5G spectrum in the 3300 MHz and 26 GHz frequency bands for Rs 18,799. “We wish to inform that the Company has today, i.e. 16th September, 2023, made the requisite payment of ~ Rs. 1,701 crores (including interest) to the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, towards 2022 Spectrum Auction Instalment,” Vi said in the filing. Reliance Jio, Vi bat for bringing aviation communications under unified licence
Vodafone Idea rejigs postpaid structure to stem user churn amid 5G roll out delay
Vi extends redemption of 1st tranche of OCDs issued to ATC to 18 months, post-allotment date
Relief for Vodafone Idea as ATC agrees to give it more time to pay dues
Relief for Vodafone Idea as ATC agrees to give it more time to pay duesVodafone Idea (Vi) has extended the redemption period of 8,000 optionally convertible debentures (OCDs) – out of the 16,000 OCDs issued to American Tower Corp’s India unit (ATC Telecom Infrastructure Pvt Ltd) – to 18 months from the allotment date, instead of the earlier six-month deadline. Vodafone Idea shares rise over 3% as co plans to clear Rs 2,400 cr dues by September
'Strong possibility of govt owning over 70% in Voda Idea once moratorium ends, may limit equity funding'
Rs 2,000 cr financial support from a Vi promoter insufficient: Analysts
Claims worth Rs 27,328 crore against Vi, erstwhile Voda entities in India under litigation
Vi tells DoT it will pay Rs 1,680 cr 2nd 5G spectrum instalment by using 30-day grace period option
Vi tells DoT it will pay Rs 1,680 cr 2nd 5G spectrum instalment by using 30-day grace period optionVodafone Idea (Vi) has informed the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) that it plans to pay the second instalment of Rs 1,680 crore for 5G spectrum purchased in last year's auction by utilising the 30-day grace period option available under the 5G spectrum sale rules. The company had earlier purchased 5G airwaves worth Rs 18,799 crore and opted to clear its dues to the government in 20 equal instalments. Vi, Adani data networks may not get exemptions over 5G rollout
Vi, Adani data networks may not get exemptions over 5G rolloutVodafone Idea (Vi) and Adani Data Networks are expected to face financial penalties for failing to meet minimum rollout obligations for 5G airwaves in India's mid band and 26 GHz bands. Officials stated that the two firms had requested relaxations for the rollout conditions outlined in the notice inviting application for the auction. Previous attempts to request extensions have been denied. 