Vodafone Idea to raise internet and call rates amidst financial woes

Vodafone Idea has sought fixing minimum mobile tariffs at Rs. 35 per GB, which is about 7 time the current rate, and for calls at 6 paise per minute along with monthly charges from April 1, to help pay statutory dues. The company in recent times have admitted their financial issues including massive losses, owing to falling market share and the payment of AGR dues to the government.  In a letter to the department of Telecommunications, the company said it wants minimum price should be fixed at Rs. 35 per gigabyte and minimum montly connection charge at Rs.50  from April 1, 2020.

According to the source, Vodafone Idea wants minium price of outgoing calls whiuch should be fixed at 6 paise per minute. The demand to raise call and internet rates from Vodafone Idea comes within three months of the company raising rates by 50 percent, including other operators Airtel and Jio in the market. Struggling to clear adjusted gross revenue dues of Rs.53,000 crores to comply with a SC order, the loss making teleco has sought 18-years time to clear the dues, including a three-year moratorium on payment of interests and penalty according to official sources.