5 days ago
Vodafone Idea Shifts From Repair to Growth, Birla Says
Vodafone Idea is a large phone company in India.
Its chairman, Kumar Mangalam Birla, said the company has spent recent years fixing financial problems and improving its network.
He now wants the company to concentrate on gaining customers and growing.
The company said more people began joining its network each month from February.
It ended March with 192.8 million subscribers.
Its 4G network covered more than 86% of India’s population, and its 5G service was available in over 200 cities.
Birla said the company still needs a financially healthier telecom industry to keep expanding its network.
He also said higher prices may be needed because mobile revenue per customer in India is very low compared with other countries.
Kumar Mangalam Birla said Vodafone Idea will prioritize disciplined execution and sustainable growth in FY27.
The company said AGR-liability reassessment improved visibility into its future obligations and cash flows.
Vodafone Idea ended March with 192.8 million subscribers, including nearly 129 million 4G and 5G users.
Its 4G population coverage exceeded 86%, while broadband towers surpassed 200,000 and 5G reached more than 200 cities.
FY26 revenue rose to Rs 44,873 crore and EBITDA to Rs 19,003 crore, while net profit was Rs 34,552 crore, largely due to a one-time AGR-related benefit.
- Who
- Vodafone Idea and its chairman, Kumar Mangalam Birla.
- What
- The telecom operator is shifting from balance-sheet and network repair toward execution, customer growth and sustainable expansion in FY27.
- Where
- India.
- When
- The announcement was made at Vodafone Idea’s 31st annual general meeting on Thursday, covering progress in FY26 and plans for FY27.
- Why
- The company says its financial obligations are clearer after the reassessment of AGR liabilities, while improved operating metrics and network investment have created a basis for growth.
Key facts
- FY26 revenue
- Rs 44,873 crore
- FY26 EBITDA
- Rs 19,003 crore
- FY26 net profit
- Rs 34,552 crore, largely reflecting a one-time benefit from reduced AGR liabilities and recognition of the present value of future payments
- Subscribers at March-end
- 192.8 million, including nearly 129 million 4G and 5G users
- 4G population coverage
- More than 86%
- 5G availability
- More than 200 cities
- Average revenue per user
- Rs 190
Quotes
Kumar Mangalam Birla
Chairman of Vodafone Idea
“The foundations have been laid. Significant progress has been made… The focus now shifts to disciplined execution, operational excellence and translating these investments into sustainable growth.”
financialexpress.com
“Continued investments in network expansion and next-generation technologies require a financially healthy telecom ecosystem.”
financialexpress.com
Sources
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