BS EDIT: No More Lifelines for Vodafone Idea

By Business StandardPublished On May 22, 2025

Supreme Court Rejects Vi’s Plea

SC dismisses Vi’s bid for AGR dues waiver, calling it “misconceived”

Relief, if any, must now come from the government

Vi Alone Faces Survival Risk

Airtel is growing, Tata Teleservices exited the consumer market

Only Vodafone Idea faces a serious future crisis

Government Stake Nears 50%

Vi has converted debt into equity

Further conversions could turn it into a PSU—a move no one wants

Fundraising Is Critical

Recent capital raises—₹18,000 crore FPO, ₹2,000 crore from Vodafone—are not enough

Vi needs significant investment to stay in the game

Competition Is Advancing

India is moving ahead with 6GHz WiFi, satellite broadband, and next-gen tech

Vi can’t keep up without bold action

Time for Promoters to Act

Vi says it may not survive beyond FY26

With courts and government stepping back, the onus is now on the promoters

India needs a strong third telco