Vodafone Idea looks to consolidate its position, faces new challenges

Vodafone Idea is now India’s largest telecom operator, with a subscriber base of over 408 million and customer market share of 41.1 per cent. The firm, through its two brands, will look to consolidate its position across segments of voice, data, mobile payments, enterprise and entertainment solutions. 

The immediate challenge for Vodafone India would be to arrest the declining revenue share, ensure a smooth transition and unlock the synergy gains pegged at Rs 110 bn annually. 

The entity’s CEO Balesh Sharma has his task cut out as he tries to play catch-up on 4G coverage, while managing the Rs 1 trillion debt.

The merger gains

• Largest telco by customer market share 
• Largest voice network with 200,000 unique sites 
• Rs 140 billion of savings due to opex and capex synergies 
• Large spectrum holding of 1,850 Mhz
• Cash of Rs 193 billion

Source: Companies, analyst reports