Why your call, data charges may not fall by much after Vodafone-Idea launch

With the net debt estimated at Rs 1.15 trillion, the merged entity will not be in much of a position to dole out freebies

The upcoming Vodafone India and Idea Cellular merger is unlikely to be accompanied by disruptive pricing (subscriber plans) as the telecom industry, a three-player market that has long been in the throes of price wars, is now seeking to collectively raise revenues. 

While the industry is holding its breath to find out what surprises the new Vodafone-Idea brand will spring for subscribers, most analysts are certain that as far as mobile user plans are concerned, the new company will not announce any major freebies. For one, the companies are already carrying forward a large debt component. Secondly, as pricing is