Vodafone Idea is enhancing their 4G network with Ericsson to introduce 5G in key Indian regions. Leveraging Ericsson’s advanced technology, Vodafone aims to modernize and expand, despite financial hurdles. Their $3.6 billion deal signifies a commitment to regaining market share by implementing robust digital infrastructure.
Vodafone Idea has struck a $3.6 billion deal with Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung to boost its 4G and 5G network capabilities over three years. This strategic move aims to expand 4G coverage and introduce 5G in select markets, enhancing their service offerings and network efficiency while meeting rising market demands.
American Tower Corporation has completed the sale of its Indian operations to Data Infrastructure Trust for INR 210 billion ($2.5 billion). This significant move enhances DIT’s portfolio to 257,000 telecom sites, surpassing Indus Tower.
India’s recent 5G spectrum auction concluded with disappointing results, generating significantly less revenue than anticipated. The auction ended after only seven rounds, raising INR113 billion ($1.35 billion), a stark contrast to the INR960 billion ($11.49 billion) reserve price set by the government.
Indonesian telecommunications giant Axiata and conglomerate Sinar Mas are in talks to explore merging their respective operations in Indonesia. The potential merger would involve combining XL Axiata, owned by Axiata, with Smartfren, the mobile network subsidiary of Sinar Mas.
Reports this week indicate that the Indian government is expected to postpone spectrum allocations for satellite broadband providers by four to six months, awaiting clarity following the ongoing general elections. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is reportedly holding off on final decisions until after the election results are announced on June 4.
Vodafone Idea, a struggling telecom operator in India, is set to embark on a significant equity fundraising effort to secure more than $2 billion. This move comes as the company faces mounting bills and aims to finance the rollout of its 5G network.
In an ambitious move, the Indian government has announced its plans to hold a mobile spectrum auction in May, eyeing a starting bid of nearly US$12 billion. Despite the high hopes tied to this event, experts remain skeptical about its success, given the tepid interest expected from the country’s telecom operators.
In a strategic move to gain a foothold in India’s expanding telecommunications market, Elon Musk’s satellite communications constellation, Starlink, is reportedly considering a stake in Vodafone Idea (Vi). As of 2024, Starlink boasts a constellation of over 5,500 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, providing commercial services in more than 60 countries to approximately 1.5 million subscribers.
Reliance Jio’s JioAirFiber, the breakthrough fixed-wireless access service, not only offers high-speed broadband at competitive prices, but also ventures to facilitate digital entertainment with a complimentary set-top box. With ambitions to reach 100 million customers across India, Jio appears poised to disrupt the market yet again, closely mimicking its successful 4G network rollout. Its competitors watch with bated breath, poised for an impending shake-up.
