Vodafone awaits govt's clarity on net neutrality

Telecom operator, Vodafone, is awaiting clarity from the central government on net neutrality in India, according to Rohit Tandon, business head (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana).

Net neutrality means Internet service providers should enable access to all content and applications regardless of the source, and without favouring or blocking particular products or websites.

“We are also waiting for a clarity on how the government is planning to control the OTT (or over-the-top platforms like WhatsApp and Skype used for delivery of audio, video and other media over the Internet without the involvement of multiple-system operators) players,” he told mediapersons on Thursday.

Invests Rs 150 crore in AP, TS
Vodafone has invested Rs 150 crore  in ramping up its network and distribution in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over the last 12 months, Tandon said.

The company has added over 1,300 sites across the two states during last fiscal, taking the number to 9500, he said, adding Vodafone added 650,000 subscribers in the last 12 months building a total base of 6.5 million in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Stating that the company has 14 Global Stores, 28 Vodafone Stores and 240 Vodafone Mini-Stores in both the states, besides operating a Vodafone Angel Store each, run completely by women, in Hyderabad and Vijayawada, Tandon said Vodafone's focus would be on the store footprint it already has.

On foraying into 4G, he said: “We are in a wait and watch mode on how the 4G ecosystem evolves. We will take a call once the pricing of 4G devices comes down from the present entry-level pricing of Rs 9,000.”