NEW PLANS OF VODAFONE IDEA

Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea push long-term plans at old rates to retain users

After announcing telecom pack price hikes of up to 25% effective July 3-4, telcos are urging subscribers to recharge long-term plans at old prices to reduce customer attrition. Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) are promoting 365-day plans priced between Rs 2,545 and Rs 3,099 through in-app promotions.

Share market update: Most active stocks on D-Street today in terms of volume

The NSE Nifty index was trading 27.55 points up at 24169.5

Vodafone UK may offer Rs 2,000 crore equity topup to Vi

Vi may also make more substantial payments to Indus towards cutting its dues after the telco raises debt of ₹23,000-25,000 crore through term loans as planned, analysts added. After the recent sale of its 18% stake in Indus, UK's Vodafone holds 3.1% of the tower company and is said to be in talks with Bharti Airtel to sell these shares, people familiar said.

Share market update: Most active stocks in today's market in terms of volume

The NSE Nifty index closed 131.36 points up at 24141.95

Jio, Airtel pricing strategy shows they still target Vi’s 2G users: Analysts

Analysts suggest that Vodafone Idea could encounter difficulties in retaining its 2G subscribers, as recent tariff increases indicate that competitors like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel remain focused on attracting Vi's low-end customers. Reliance Jio has maintained its rates for 4G feature phones, while Bharti Airtel has made minimal adjustments to its basic plans, highlighting their strategies to capture Vi's 2G user base.

Stars are aligning! Vodafone Idea share price targets increase after tariff hike

Vodafone Idea's target price sees a boost post-tariff hike, reflecting industry trends. Kotak Equities emphasizes low ARPU in India and the need for Jio to seize monetization opportunities.

Airtel, Jio announce mobile tariff hike: Here is the full list of new prepaid and postpaid plans and prices

Mobile Tariff Hike: Airtel and Jio and have announced significant tariff hikes, marking the first major rate increase by a telco since 2021. Jio’s new rates, effective July 3, increase by 12-25%, while Airtel’s hikes start immediately. These adjustments aim to boost average revenue per user (ARPU) due to substantial investments in 5G services.

Vi follows Jio, Airtel to raise tariffs; new plans effective July 4

Vodafone Idea has launched new plans for prepaid and postpaid customers starting July 4, 2024, following Jio and Airtel's footsteps. The changes are minimal, aligning higher prices with increased usage, and Vi aims to provide simple, comprehensive plans.

Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea announce massive tariff hikes: Here's how much it will cost you

Extent and frequency of tariff revisions crucial for financial health of telcos

Following the increase in tariffs, the stock of Reliance Industries rose by 2.3% on Friday to close at Rs 3,131.9. On the other hand, stocks of Bharti Airtel and VIL were under pressure, falling by 1.8% to Rs 1,445.4 and by 3.4% to Rs 17.9 in that order amid profit booking after a recent surge in their prices.

Vodafone Idea's 'big' spectrum spend to help plug user exodus

Analysts added that Vi's spectrum spends of about Rs 3,510 crore - almost 12 times its Rs 300 crore earnest money deposit (EMD) - on the heels of a recent fundraise of about Rs 23,000 crore suggests the telco is preparing for network rollouts and plans to use its fresh 900 MHz spectrum to enhance 4G experience and rein in customer losses.

Vodafone Idea in talks with Samsung to expand 4G networks, roll out 5G

Vodafone Idea (Vi) has initiated 5G trials in three network circles using Samsung's virtual Radio Access Network (vRAN) technology on a non-standalone architecture. The trials, aimed at expanding its 4G and introducing 5G services, took place in Chennai, Karnataka, and Bihar. Despite its financial challenges and lagging behind rivals Airtel and Jio in 5G rollout, Vi fulfills its 5G spectrum obligations from the 2022 auction with these trials.

Vi completes minimum 5G rollout requirements

Vodafone Idea (Vi) has announced completion of its Minimum Rollout Obligations (MRO) across all 17 circles where it acquired 5G spectrum in August 2022. This step is essential for commencing 5G services, although Vi has yet to announce detailed rollout plans due to financial constraints. Unlike its competitors Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, which have almost completed nationwide 5G rollouts, Vi plans to gradually expand its network starting with equipment orders to vendors like Nokia and Ericsson.

Vi dials lenders for Rs 23,000 cr term loans, seeks Rs 10,000 cr in bank guarantees

Vodafone Idea (Vi) proposes borrowing Rs 23,000 crore in term loans and seeks Rs 10,000 crore in bank guarantees to enhance its telecom infrastructure and compete with Reliance Jio and Airtel.

Vodafone Idea prefers stock as payment for Nokia and Ericsson bills

The board of directors of VIL approved a preferential allotment of 1.66 billion equity shares at Rs 14.80 per share to Finland’s Nokia and Sweden’s Ericsson, for a total of up to Rs 2,458 crore, the company said in a statement Thursday. Nokia will invest up to Rs 1,520 crore and Ericsson up to Rs 938 crore. The issue price is 35% higher than that in the April follow-on offer (FPO) of Rs 11 a share and comes with a lock-in period of six months.

What clearing vendor dues via equity means for firms

Vodafone Idea's board approved preferential allotment of equity shares to Nokia and Ericsson to clear dues. Vi's vendor ATC Telecom also benefitted from stock market gains. Vi's move to dilute equity for debt repayment is uncommon in listed companies.

Voda Idea approves preferential allotment of equity worth Rs 2,458 crore to Nokia, Ericsson

The decision was taken at a meeting on Thursday and the announcement was made after market hours. In its filing to the exchanges, the company said upto 1,02,70,27,024 equity shares of face value of Rs 10 apiece will be issued at a price of Rs 14.80. Besides, Vi will also issue upto 63,37,83,780 equity shares at an issue price of Rs 14.80 per unit that includes a premium of Rs 4.80 apiece to Ericsson India.

Jyotiraditya Scindia is new telecom minister

Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Minister of Communications in the Modi Cabinet 3.0, faces key challenges in overseeing the 5G spectrum auction, ensuring the survival of Vodafone Idea, and implementing new telecom rules. His role also involves making decisions on satellite spectrum usage and improving the quality of telecom services for consumers. Scindia's return to the Cabinet marks a significant political journey from the Congress to the BJP, highlighting his academic background and past political affiliations.

Vodafone Idea must clear Indus Towers dues to avail tower company's new services: Sunil Mittal

Bharti Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal emphasized that Vodafone Idea must settle all past dues with Indus Towers to access new services like 5G. However, Mittal mentioned that the Indus board will remain flexible with its decisions even if Vi makes a significant payment and provides a schedule for the remaining amount. Airtel is a major stakeholder in Indus Towers.

Vodafone Idea may find it tough to raise tariffs after polls, say analysts

Vodafone Idea faces challenges in increasing ARPU through tariff hikes post-election, as price-sensitive customers resist. 42% of Vi users may downgrade or close secondary SIMs due to upcoming higher tariffs. Vi seeks to upgrade 2G to 4G, double Ebitda by 2025. Vi has been securing funds for 4G expansion and potential 5G rollout.

Voda Idea launches extra data for new 4G and 5G smartphone users

Vodafone Idea (Vi) has introduced 'Vi Guarantee Program' offering 130GB extra data for 4G and 5G smartphone users. Users receive 10GB every 28 days for 13 cycles. Chief Marketing Officer Avneesh Khosla stated the program aims to enhance data experience. Available to users on specific plans, excluding certain regions. Aimed at maximizing smartphone potential.

Vi fundraising may not click until new govt comes online

Vi’s lenders are seeking clarity on future equity conversions by the government, as well as the outcome of the telco’s curative plea in Supreme Court over an earlier order on its arrears based on adjusted gross revenue. These issues, according to bankers, will ultimately determine the cash-strapped company’s future regulatory payment obligations, especially after the moratorium on the payment ends next year.

Vodafone Idea plans to open more retail outlets: Executive

Empowered by a recent infusion of equity funding, Vodafone Idea (Vi) aims to expand its network of retail outlets throughout this fiscal year. This strategic move is designed to bolster sales and enhance customer loyalty, essential for the financially constrained telecom operator to heighten its competitive stance against formidable adversaries like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel.