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Tag: Bharti Airtel

  • TRAI releases telecom subscription data for 30 September 2024

    TRAI releases telecom subscription data for 30 September 2024

    New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) unveiled its report on telecom subscription data as of 30 September 2024. The findings highlight trends across wireless and wireline segments, broadband subscriptions, and mobile number portability (MNP) requests, reflecting a dynamic yet challenging period for the sector.

    Decline in total subscribers

    India’s total telecom subscriber base saw a decline of 9.41 million in September, with numbers dropping from 1,200.07 million in August to 1,190.66 million. This translates to a monthly contraction of 0.78 per cent. Urban areas reported a slight dip in tele-density from 132.94 per cent to 131.86 per cent, while rural tele-density dropped from 59.05 per cent to 58.48 per cent. The declining figures underline challenges such as market saturation and migration of users to alternative communication platforms.

    Broadband subscriptions decreased by 0.51 per cent, from 949.21 million in August to 944.40 million in September. Mobile devices accounted for most of this decline, witnessing a contraction of 0.63 per cent. However, wired broadband and fixed wireless users showed growth, with increases of 1.83 per cent and 9.01 per cent, respectively. Reliance Jio retained its dominance with 477.94 million subscribers, followed by Bharti Airtel (285.17 million) and Vodafone Idea (126.36 million). These top players collectively command 98.42 per cent of the broadband market, underscoring limited competition in this segment.

    Wireline subscribers on the rise

    The wireline segment emerged as a bright spot, growing by 1.93 per cent to reach 36.93 million subscribers. Urban areas accounted for 92.14 per cent of these connections, highlighting an urban-centric growth trajectory. BSNL and MTNL, despite being public-sector entities, maintained a combined market share of 23.95 per cent, showcasing resilience amidst stiff competition.

    The wireless segment faced a challenging month with a decline of 10.11 million subscribers, a 0.87 per cent drop. Urban and rural wireless subscriptions declined by 0.80 per cent and 0.95 per cent, respectively, as affordability and service reliability remained key issues. Bharti Airtel led the active wireless subscriber base with a remarkable 99.27 per cent activity rate on its Visitor Location Register (VLR).

    The MNP service recorded 13.32 million requests in September, raising the cumulative total to 1,039.11 million. Zone-I, encompassing Northern and Western India, saw Uttar Pradesh-East leading the pack with 100.56 million porting requests. In Zone-II, Madhya Pradesh topped the charts with 81.06 million requests, reflecting high user dissatisfaction or a quest for better services.

    Regional tele-density variations

    Tele-density across circles revealed stark disparities. Delhi boasted the highest tele-density at 278.55 per cent, while Bihar recorded the lowest at 56.40 per cent. This gap highlights persistent inequalities in telecom penetration across states.

    While the report signals challenges, particularly in the wireless and rural segments, it also hints at potential opportunities in wireline growth and broadband expansion. As operators strive to innovate and enhance service quality, the sector remains poised for a possible turnaround. 

  • Bharti Hexacom Q2 boasts 20.7 per cent revenue surge and data growth

    Bharti Hexacom Q2 boasts 20.7 per cent revenue surge and data growth

    Mumbai: Imagine a day without the internet—no streaming the latest movies, no WhatsApp pings from friends, no emails to explain running late to the boss. Digital silence. Yet, as our lives entwine ever more with digital connectivity, Bharti Hexacom emerges as a robust architect of India’s digital future. In Q2 FY25, the telecom powerhouse posted an impressive 20.7 per cent year-on-year revenue jump, reaching Rs 20,976 million. Fueled by strategic expansions in mobile and broadband, Bharti Hexacom shows unyielding momentum. With mobile data usage surging 29.7 per cent, and bolstered by solid infrastructure investments, the company signals a steadfast commitment to enhancing the nation’s digital ecosystem.

    The quarter’s revenue growth was propelled by Bharti Hexacom’s core mobile services, which registered a substantial 20 per cent year-on-year increase, reaching Rs 20,433 million. This growth trajectory was bolstered by ‘tariff repair’ initiatives and a strategic focus on acquiring quality customers, leading to an Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) increase to Rs 228, a 16.3 per cent rise from Rs 196 in Q2 FY24. Homes and Office services also saw revenue growth, up by 19.8 per cent YoY, with net customer additions reaching an impressive 30,000, marking the highest quarterly growth in this segment.

    The company’s EBITDA rose by 21.8 per cent YoY to Rs 10,464 million, supported by the operational efficiency initiatives that helped to widen EBITDA margins to 49.9 per cent from 49.4 per cent last year. However, EBIT margin slightly contracted by 24 basis points to 24.3 per cent amid escalating competition and increased operational costs. Net income, a noteworthy figure, reached Rs 2,531 million—transforming a year-over-year loss into a profitable position and reflecting a robust 237 per cent growth after accounting for exceptional items.

    Bharti Hexacom’s capital expenditure of Rs 4,465 million in Q2 FY25 has enabled the rollout of over 200 network towers and 407 mobile broadband stations, primarily across Rajasthan and the North East. This investment complements the recent acquisition of an additional 15 MHz spectrum, allowing for enhanced connectivity and user experience. Bharti Hexacom’s pioneering AI-driven spam detection tool—India’s first by a telecom provider—was also launched this quarter to improve customer satisfaction.

    Mobile data consumption demonstrated a robust year-over-year growth of 29.7 per cent, reaching 1,524 PB, driven by a rise in smartphone users, which grew by 11.3 per cent YoY. The segment saw significant usage, with data consumption averaging 25.9 GB per user per month, reinforcing Hexacom’s position as a digital leader amid rising demand for mobile data.

    The Homes and Office services unit continues its growth trajectory, expanding high-speed broadband services to 103 cities and leveraging partnerships with local cable operators to reach a wider base. This strategic extension allowed the segment to achieve a 20 per cent revenue increase year-over-year, with 30,000 new customer additions in the last quarter. ARPU for home broadband stabilised at Rs 509, a reflection of steady demand despite sectoral pricing adjustments.

    The current Debt-to-EBITDA ratio, including lease impacts, stands at 2.03x, a favourable metric within the industry. Hexacom’s judicious capital allocation and a focus on cost optimisation underpin its positive cash flow, which saw a 123 per cent increase YoY, reaching Rs 5,999 million. As Bharti Hexacom prepares for further digital transformation, these metrics reflect a strong financial foundation poised for sustained growth.

    Bharti Hexacom’s Q2 FY25 performance embodies a strategic blend of innovation, investment, and customer-centric expansion. By focusing on both mobile and broadband sectors, the company has effectively harnessed India’s digital demand surge. Going forward, Hexacom’s robust infrastructure, innovative digital solutions, and a steady financial strategy are expected to maintain its momentum in India’s competitive telecom sector.

  • TRAI releases telecom subscription data report for 31 August 2024

    TRAI releases telecom subscription data report for 31 August 2024

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released key insights into telecom subscription data as of August 31, 2024. During August, there were 14.66 million requests for Mobile Number Portability (MNP), bringing the total cumulative MNP requests since the system’s implementation to 1,025.78 million, up from 1,011.13 million at the end of July.

    As for active wireless subscribers, TRAI reported that there were 1,061.48 million active users at the peak VLR (Visitor Location Register) date in August 2024.

    In its analysis of broadband services, TRAI noted an increase in total broadband subscribers from 946.19 million in July to 949.21 million in August, marking a growth rate of 0.32 per cent. The number of wireline subscribers also rose from 35.56 million to 36.23 million, a net increase of 0.67 million and a monthly growth rate of 1.90 per cent. At the end of August, urban subscribers accounted for 92.09 per cent of the wireline base, while rural subscribers made up 7.91 per cent.

    Despite the overall growth in wireline subscriptions, total wireless subscribers decreased from 1,169.61 million in July to 1,163.83 million in August, resulting in a decline of 0.49 per cent. Urban wireless subscriptions fell from 635.46 million to 633.21 million, while rural subscriptions dropped from 534.15 million to 530.63 million. This led to a reduction in wireless tele-density from 83.32 per cent to 82.85 per cent.

    The market share of private access service providers remains significant, holding 92 per cent of wireless subscribers, with BSNL and MTNL, the public sector units, accounting for only eight per cent. Additionally, the number of M2M (Machine-to-Machine) cellular connections increased from 53.67 million to 54.07 million, with Bharti Airtel leading with a market share of 52.54 per cent.

    The total number of telephone subscribers in India decreased from 1,205.17 million to 1,200.07 million, reflecting a decline rate of 0.42 per cent. Urban and rural telephone subscriptions also fell during this period. Consequently, overall tele-density decreased from 85.85 per cent to 85.43 per cent.

    Of the 1,163.83 million wireless subscribers, approximately 91.21 per cent were active in August. Bharti Airtel had the highest active subscriber proportion at 99.24 per cent, while MTNL reported the lowest at just 26 per cent.

  • Zee Entertainment appoints Vikram Lad as business head of Hamara Parivar

    Zee Entertainment appoints Vikram Lad as business head of Hamara Parivar

    Mumbai: Zee Entertainment has announced the appointment of Vikram Lad as the new business head of its channel, Hamara Parivar. In this strategic role, Lad will lead various initiatives, including business development efforts aimed at enhancing the channel’s performance.

    Lad’s responsibilities will encompass shaping the content strategy, engaging with audience feedback, and managing the channel’s profit and loss (P&L). Additionally, he will focus on strategic marketing and building partnerships to drive growth.

    Bringing a rich background in the media industry, Vikram Lad co-founded Kintree, a social application designed for family tree building, where he served as COO. In this position, he was instrumental in developing the company’s strategic vision and overseeing operations, including managing investor relations and expanding the app’s reach across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the MENA region.

    Before his tenure at Kintree, Lad held significant positions in various media organizations. He was Chief of Business Development at Chingari, a short video platform, in 2019. Earlier, he served as the Business Head for Zee Entertainment in Thailand from 2017 to 2019. His extensive career also includes roles at prominent brands such as Star Sports, Hotstar, Rediff.com, DNA, RBNL and Bharti Airtel.

  • Ericsson secures multi-billion dollar 5G deal with Bharti Airtel

    Ericsson secures multi-billion dollar 5G deal with Bharti Airtel

    In a significant boost to India’s telecom landscape, Ericsson has clinched a multi-billion dollar contract with Bharti Airtel to supply advanced 5G equipment. This partnership signals a pivotal moment in the rollout of next-generation mobile connectivity across the nation. As demand for high-speed internet and seamless connectivity skyrockets, this collaboration promises to enhance Airtel’s network capabilities, positioning it at the forefront of the telecom revolution.

    Ericsson’s latest deal with Bharti Airtel aims to strengthen the latter’s 5G infrastructure, enabling improved network performance and expanded coverage. The announcement comes at a crucial time as both companies gear up to meet the growing consumer demand for faster and more reliable mobile services.

    “Ericsson’s extensive experience and innovative technology will significantly enhance our 5G offerings,” said a spokesperson from Bharti Airtel. “This partnership not only reaffirms our commitment to delivering top-notch connectivity but also strengthens our position as a leading telecom provider in India.”

    Industry experts view this contract as a strategic move, further solidifying the collaboration between the two telecom giants. With Ericsson’s advanced network solutions, Airtel aims to offer enhanced user experiences and drive digital transformation in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and entertainment.

    This contract aligns with the Indian government’s vision of transforming the country into a global digital hub, boosting economic growth and innovation. As Airtel rolls out its 5G services powered by Ericsson’s technology, customers can expect a leap in internet speeds, latency reductions, and innovative applications tailored to meet their evolving needs.

    Ericsson’s success in securing this contract underscores its strong foothold in the Indian market, further solidifying its reputation as a leading provider of telecom infrastructure. With the ongoing rollout of 5G technology, both companies are poised to play a significant role in shaping India’s digital future.

  • Bharti Airtel responds to BSE query on Tata Play buyout

    Bharti Airtel responds to BSE query on Tata Play buyout

    MUMBAI: The Sunil Mittal-owned Bharti Airtel has responded to a query from the Bombay stock exchange (BSE) regarding news reports that it is in advanced talks to acquire the lossmaking DTH market leader and Tata group company Tata Play, led by Harit Nagpal.

    The company told the BSE that from time to time it or its subsidiaries evaluate various opportunities. And that it saw no reason why it should make any disclosures now, keeping in mind Securities Exchange Board of India (Sebi) regulations for listed companies.

    In a letter addressed to both the National Stock Exchange and BSE, it responded as follows:

    “We wish to clarify that the Company (on its own or through its subsidiary companies) evaluates various opportunities of alliances/ acquisitions and other similar avenues as per its requirements from time to time, in the ordinary course of business. There is no material event/ information that requires disclosure under Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
    Regulations, 2015 (‘SEBI Listing Regulations’). As a responsible corporate that follows the highest standards of corporate governance, the Company is fully conscious of its disclosure obligations under SEBI Listing Regulations and will duly make appropriate disclosures in compliance with applicable laws.”

    It may be recalled that The Economic Times had reported a couple of days ago that Tata Sons which holds a 70 per cent stake in Tata Play is looking at exiting along with Walt Disney, which holds 30 per cent.  The DTH provider’s valuation has reportedly plummeted from around $3 billion pre-covid to around $1 billion today. Tata Sons had bought out Singapore’s Temasek Holding’s  10 per cent investment in Tata Play for around $100 million in April 2024.  Bharti Airtel is expecting to close the purchase at the same valuation, the Economic Times report had stated. 

    Bharti Airtel owns the second largest DTH platform in India in Airtel DTH and the Tata Play acquisition will reportedly bolster its subscriber base. 

  • TRAI releases telecom subscription data report for 31 July 2024

    TRAI releases telecom subscription data report for 31 July 2024

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has published its telecom subscription data report for 31 July 2024. The report revealed that Reliance Jio experienced a decline of 0.7 million users, despite gaining 1.91 million in June. In contrast, state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) saw a significant increase, adding 2.9 million users in July, benefiting from a period when its private competitors raised their tariffs.

    In June, BSNL had lost 0.74 million users, but the subsequent tariff hikes implemented by private operators prompted many users to switch. The three major private players—Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi)—all raised their prices in early July, with BSNL maintaining its existing rates.

    Airtel was particularly affected, losing 1.69 million subscribers in July after previously adding 1.25 million in June. Vi also faced a setback, losing 1.41 million users, although this was an improvement compared to its June loss of 0.86 million. Notably, Vi has experienced ongoing subscriber losses for over a year, until Airtel recently surpassed it.

    The tariff hikes, which occurred around 3-4 July, varied in magnitude; Airtel’s increases were smaller than Jio’s, which ranged from 12 to 25 per cent. These adjustments notably impacted Airtel’s 2G subscriber base, while Jio chose not to alter its pricing in that segment. Meanwhile, Vi has concentrated on offering unlimited data plans with various validity periods ranging from 28 days to a year.

  • Airtel Business and Sparkle sign Blue-Raman capacity agreement

    Airtel Business and Sparkle sign Blue-Raman capacity agreement

    Mumbai: Bharti Airtel’s B2B arm Airtel Business has signed an agreement with Sparkle, the first international service provider in Italy and a top global operator, for additional capacity on a diversified low latency route between Asia and Europe.

    Under the agreement, Airtel will take capacity from Sparkle on the Blue-Raman Submarine Cable Systems, which will connect India to Italy. With this additional capacity, Airtel will further diversify its global network across multiple international submarine cable systems to serve the growing demand for data services in India and neighbouring countries.

    The two companies will also work together on the development of new business opportunities and projects in the Indian sub-continent, leveraging their respective cable infrastructures.

    Airtel Business CEO – global business, Vani Venkatesh said, “We are happy to partner with Sparkle as we further consolidate our leadership in global connectivity. This partnership will further diversify our network with large integrated capacities to meet the ever-growing connectivity needs and data demand of our customers.”

    Sparkle CEO Enrico Bagnasco added, “We are very pleased with this agreement, based on the new solution provided by Blue & Raman, that supports the digital growth of the region and strengthens our historical partnership with Bharti Airtel.”

    Airtel Business is a provider of ICT services, with submarine cables, satellite networks, and global networks spanning over 400,000 Rkms across 50 countries and five continents. The company has over 1,200 global carrier partnerships, allowing it to connect customers worldwide, including in remote areas. In India, Airtel Business provides a range of solutions, including secure connectivity, cloud and data center services, cyber security, IoT, and cloud-based communications to enterprises, governments, carriers, and small and medium businesses.

  • Bharti Airtel to shut down Wynk Music app: Report

    Bharti Airtel to shut down Wynk Music app: Report

    Mumbai: Bharti Airtel has decided to exit the music sector by shutting down its Wynk Music app according to media reports. Shortly after announcing a strategic partnership with Apple, the company will wind down Wynk Music over the next few months and integrate all current employees into other roles within the organisation.

    An Airtel spokesperson confirmed the closure, stating that Wynk Music will be discontinued in the coming months, and employees working on the app will be absorbed within the Airtel ecosystem.

    Since its launch in 2014, Wynk Music has built a significant user base with over 100 million subscribers. This move aligns with Airtel’s new focus on collaborating with Apple to enhance video and music streaming services. As part of this partnership, Airtel customers will have access to Apple Music, and Wynk Premium subscribers will receive special offers. Additionally, Apple TV+ will be accessible through Airtel’s Xstream service, further expanding its content offerings.

    With a diverse portfolio including Airtel Wynk, Airtel Thanks, and Xstream, Airtel serves more than 220 million active users and is aiming for continued growth in the competitive digital market.

  • TRAI releases Indian Telecom Services-Yearly Performance Indicators report for 2023-24

    TRAI releases Indian Telecom Services-Yearly Performance Indicators report for 2023-24

    Mumbai: TRAI’s Indian Telecom Services-Yearly Performance Indicators report for 2023-24 highlights that gross revenue also saw a modest increase of 0.71 per cent year-on-year, climbing from Rs 3.33 trillion in 2022-23 to Rs 3.36 trillion in 2023-24. Meanwhile, the Applicable Gross Revenue (ApGR) grew by 6.38 per cent, reaching ₹3.23 trillion in 2023-24, up from Rs 3.03 trillion in the previous financial year.

    In 2023-24, the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) of telecom service providers grew by 8.24 per cent year-on-year, driven by increased data consumption and consumer upgrades, according to a report by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The AGR rose from ₹2.49 trillion in 2022-23 to Rs 2.7 trillion in 2023-24.

    License fees experienced an 8.45 per cent increase, rising from Rs 19,954 crore in 2022-23 to ₹21,642 crore in 2023-24. Conversely, spectrum usage charges (SUC) saw a significant decline of 32.20 per cent, dropping from Rs 4,968 crore in 2022-23 to ₹3,369 crore in 2023-24.

    Among telecom service providers, Reliance Jio recorded a 9.62 per cent year-on-year growth, with its AGR increasing from ₹89,279.39 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 97,868.06 crore in 2023-24. Bharti Airtel posted a 12.12 per cent rise, reaching ₹80,529.33 crore in 2023-24. In contrast, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) reported a 1.92 per cent decline, while Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) experienced a sharp 22.34 per cent decrease, with its AGR falling from ₹785.6 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 610.11 crore in 2023-24.

    The share of public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the access AGR of telecom services decreased to 6.64 per cent in 2023-24, down from 7.04 per cent in 2022-23. The PSUs’ share in such AGR amounted to ₹17,973 crore in 2023-24, compared to Rs 17,605 crore in the previous fiscal year.