Page 14 - Telecom Sector In India
Missed call to free call: The 25-year journey of India's telecom industry
On July 31, 1995, mobile telephony began in India at Rs 16.80 a minute peak tariff. Now, most local voice calls are free, a market which has the largest subscriber base in the world after China
 "Missed call to free call: The 25-year journey of India's telecom industry")
Vodafone Idea defaults on rental, energy payments for June to tower firms
According to a senior executive of a telecom tower firm, Vodafone Idea cited payment of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) to the government and the resultant cash flow problems for the default.
 "Vodafone Idea defaults on rental, energy payments for June to tower firms")
Tariff hike in telecom 'inevitable', two rounds likely in 12-18 months: EY
The industry is talking of ARPUs going up anywhere from 60 per cent to 80 per cent over next two-three years, and that can happen by way of tariff increase
 "Tariff hike in telecom 'inevitable', two rounds likely in 12-18 months: EY")
In a major relief, govt raises BSNL borrowing limit to Rs 39,713 crore
The approval is the key to BSNL's turnaround plan, which includes setting up a 4G network so that it can compete with private competitors.
 "In a major relief, govt raises BSNL borrowing limit to Rs 39,713 crore")
BSNL scraps 4G equipment tender to keep Chinese companies at bay
BSNL is in the process of upgrading its network to 4G and BTS that facilitates wireless communication plays a crucial role in it.
Asia Pacific telecoms on course for muted growth, 5G delays: Fitch
However, credit risk remains manageable, reflecting the sector's resilience during the coronavirus pandemic
 "Asia Pacific telecoms on course for muted growth, 5G delays: Fitch")
DoT sets stage for spectrum auctions this year; MSTC selected as auctioneer
Given the high possibility of operators shying away from participation, the DoT is yet to decide on including the premium 5G spectrum in the tender.
 "DoT sets stage for spectrum auctions this year; MSTC selected as auctioneer")
Bharti Infratel board may give nod to Indus Tower merger on Wednesday
The deal, which was signed in April 2018, is expected to come to fruition and once it is completed it will create one of world's biggest telecom tower companies.
 "Bharti Infratel board may give nod to Indus Tower merger on Wednesday")
Explained: How Vodafone Idea can survive in the three-pronged battle
Vodafone Idea will have to cough up an additional Rs 5,235 crore every year till 2040 to pay its remaining portion of the AGR dues.
 "Explained: How Vodafone Idea can survive in the three-pronged battle")
Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea: How to trade AGR case-related stocks?
Vodafone Idea (VIL), which has liabilities worth Rs 53,000 crore pleaded saying that it does not have enough money to pay and should be given some time
 "Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea: How to trade AGR case-related stocks?")
Telcos told to stop sourcing 4G telecom equipment from Chinese firms
The major private operators - Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea - are procuring their 4G equipment from multinational companies, such as Nokia, Ericsson, ZTE, Huawei, and Samsung.
 "Telcos told to stop sourcing 4G telecom equipment from Chinese firms")
As telcos begin paying AGR dues, Supreme Court adopts a softer approach
It has also possibly thus settled a larger question in India that when a government due has been upheld, the company has to ensure it must be paid by whatever means.
 "As telcos begin paying AGR dues, Supreme Court adopts a softer approach")
BharatNet phase-II process starts; govt to finalise PPP model soon
The proposal, which is at an advanced stage, may go to cabinet; it will empower states to take their own decision on private participation
Speculative bets rise on Voda Idea as investors, traders eye quick gains
Analysts say retail investors need to be wary as given the large quantum of debt on the company's books, such bets could backfire unless investors are able to efficiently time their entry and exits
 "Speculative bets rise on Voda Idea as investors, traders eye quick gains")
Abu Dhabi state fund in talks to invest $1 bn in Jio Platforms: Report
Jio Platforms has secured $10 billion from investors including Facebook Inc within a month
 "Abu Dhabi state fund in talks to invest $1 bn in Jio Platforms: Report")
Google eyes 5% stake in Vodafone Idea, multiple India investments: Report
Analysts say deal will be a lifeline for Vodafone Idea, which has been ordered by SC to pay Rs 53,000 crore AGR dues
 "Google eyes 5% stake in Vodafone Idea, multiple India investments: Report")
Trai unlikely to take up floor price issue for 2 mths over Covid-19: Report
Telecom players recently renewed their demand and asked Trai to move forward quickly on the issue of fixing floor price for tariffs
 "Trai unlikely to take up floor price issue for 2 mths over Covid-19: Report")
Promoter to sell 2.75% stake worth $1 bn in Bharti Airtel via block deals
Shares are being offered to large investors at 6 per cent discount to March 22 closing price of Rs 593; Mittal company joins top Indian companies in raising funds
 "Promoter to sell 2.75% stake worth $1 bn in Bharti Airtel via block deals")
Covid-19 crisis: Slippages may jump to Rs 5.5 trillion, says India Ratings
Credit costs could touch Rs 2.7 trillion
 "Covid-19 crisis: Slippages may jump to Rs 5.5 trillion, says India Ratings")
Voda Idea clubs 22 telecom circles into 10 clusters; move may hit jobs
"...... In the past also, we have seen that over time, it is possible to accommodate most of the people against natural voluntary attrition that keeps happening," Voda said downplaying likely job cuts