Tag: Vodafone India

Interconnect tussle: Vodafone, Airtel, Idea may move court against proposed Rs 3,000-cr penalty

MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) plans to impose a heavy penalty on three major telecom operators for failing to provide adequate interconnectivity to RJio even as operators attempted to comply with the rules. Jio had written to the TRAI seeking action against incumbent operators for not giving an adequate number of interconnection points.

Several thousand customers of Reliance Jio’s new 4G network were facing disruption in service due to shortage of interconnection with other operators for some weeks now. TRAI had earlier called Idea Cellular, Airtel, Vodafone and Jio for a meeting. Point of interconnection, the place where two networks connect, is needed for seamless communication when a user of one operator calls a user of another operator.

TRAI has now proposed penalties on Vodafone India, Bharti Airtel, and Idea Cellular for denying interconnection to Reliance Jio Infocomm (RJio), the new entrant into telecom space in India.

The three incumbent operators meanwhile may take a legal recourse to challenge TRAI’s suggestions. A source from one of the operators told the Hindu, it was ‘surprising that RJio’s network was having congestion in all the circles’.

TRAI has suggested levying of a ₹50-crore penalty per circle on the three incumbent players, which could total more than ₹3,000 crore. According to TRAI, Airtel and Vodafone have to pay ₹1,050 crore each, and Idea Cellular ₹950 crore. The penalty has been imposed for violating quality of service norms.

RJio had written to TRAI seeking action against incumbent operators for not giving an adequate number of interconnection points on July 14 and July 15, to which TRAI had communicated to all three operators on July 19 to do the needful.

According to RJio, it is targeting 100 million subscribers, for which it had approached existing operators seeking adequate interconnection. “Instead of augmenting the PoIs, other operators are blocking the PoI augmentation on various unreasonable grounds,” RJio said in a letter to DoT.

However, incumbent operators initially refused to give these points of interconnection. The operators earlier said they could not release more interconnections because RJio was allegedly bypassing regulations by offering full-fledged services under the guise of test connections.

However, after a meeting between the rival operators, hosted by TRAI, the incumbent operators started releasing points of interconnection. Though this eased the congestion on RJio’s network, the operator said that a majority of calls on its networks were still dropping.

Meanwhile, the three incumbent operators may take a legal recourse to challenge TRAI’s suggestions. According to sources from one of the operators, it was ‘surprising that RJio’s network was having congestion in all the circles’.

Under the licence conditions, operators are required to offer interconnection to each other. TRAI has set a cap of 14 paise as the interconnection charge, which means that operators on whose network the call originates have to pay that fee to the operator on whose network the call terminates. However, incumbent operators have refused to give interconnection.

October 22, 2016
Interconnect tussle: Vodafone, Airtel, Idea may move court against proposed Rs 3,000-cr penalty

MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) plans to impose a heavy penalty on three major telecom operators for failing to provide adequate interconnectivity to RJio even as operators attempted to comply with the rules. Jio had written to the TRAI seeking action against incumbent operators for not giving an adequate number of interconnection points.

Several thousand customers of Reliance Jio’s new 4G network were facing disruption in service due to shortage of interconnection with other operators for some weeks now. TRAI had earlier called Idea Cellular, Airtel, Vodafone and Jio for a meeting. Point of interconnection, the place where two networks connect, is needed for seamless communication when a user of one operator calls a user of another operator.

TRAI has now proposed penalties on Vodafone India, Bharti Airtel, and Idea Cellular for denying interconnection to Reliance Jio Infocomm (RJio), the new entrant into telecom space in India.

The three incumbent operators meanwhile may take a legal recourse to challenge TRAI’s suggestions. A source from one of the operators told the Hindu, it was ‘surprising that RJio’s network was having congestion in all the circles’.

TRAI has suggested levying of a ₹50-crore penalty per circle on the three incumbent players, which could total more than ₹3,000 crore. According to TRAI, Airtel and Vodafone have to pay ₹1,050 crore each, and Idea Cellular ₹950 crore. The penalty has been imposed for violating quality of service norms.

RJio had written to TRAI seeking action against incumbent operators for not giving an adequate number of interconnection points on July 14 and July 15, to which TRAI had communicated to all three operators on July 19 to do the needful.

According to RJio, it is targeting 100 million subscribers, for which it had approached existing operators seeking adequate interconnection. “Instead of augmenting the PoIs, other operators are blocking the PoI augmentation on various unreasonable grounds,” RJio said in a letter to DoT.

However, incumbent operators initially refused to give these points of interconnection. The operators earlier said they could not release more interconnections because RJio was allegedly bypassing regulations by offering full-fledged services under the guise of test connections.

However, after a meeting between the rival operators, hosted by TRAI, the incumbent operators started releasing points of interconnection. Though this eased the congestion on RJio’s network, the operator said that a majority of calls on its networks were still dropping.

Meanwhile, the three incumbent operators may take a legal recourse to challenge TRAI’s suggestions. According to sources from one of the operators, it was ‘surprising that RJio’s network was having congestion in all the circles’.

Under the licence conditions, operators are required to offer interconnection to each other. TRAI has set a cap of 14 paise as the interconnection charge, which means that operators on whose network the call originates have to pay that fee to the operator on whose network the call terminates. However, incumbent operators have refused to give interconnection.

October 22, 2016
Vodafone India announces roaming free from Diwali

MUMBAI: Vodafone India, one of India’s leading telecom service providers, has announced free incoming calls while roaming nationally for all its customers. Starting this Diwali, all Vodafone India customers, travelling anywhere in the country, can continue to talk worry free without having to cut short their conversations.

Vodafone India director – commercial said, “At Vodafone, the customer is at the heart of all that we do and it is an ongoing endeavour to come up with unmatched value and convenience for our customers. Even though outgoing charges while roaming had become comparable to home charges, consumer research has shown that incoming charges while roaming have been a hindrance to worry free usage.”

“As part of our ongoing 200 million customer celebration, providing free incoming on national roaming will ensure that our customers do not think twice while traveling out of town. We hope that this Diwali gift will empower our customers to stay connected with their loved ones without worrying about roaming tariffs,” he added.

“Along with our recently launched international roaming daily pack which makes international roaming worry free, we are now confident that Vodafone India customers will not be holding back conversations while travelling nationally or internationally on Vodafone SuperNet™,” he said.

Vodafone India is a 100% fully owned subsidiary of the Vodafone Group Plc. with operations across the country serving over 200 million customers (over 107 million in rural areas). Commencing operations in 2007, Vodafone is today a robust, award winning business and committed for the long term. Vodafone Business Services serves the needs of enterprises and government by providing total telecommunications (Voice and Data) solutions across mobility and wireline platforms. Our mobile wallet, M-Pesa is a unique and innovative money transfer service from Vodafone that fosters financial inclusion.

October 21, 2016
Vodafone India announces roaming free from Diwali

MUMBAI: Vodafone India, one of India’s leading telecom service providers, has announced free incoming calls while roaming nationally for all its customers. Starting this Diwali, all Vodafone India customers, travelling anywhere in the country, can continue to talk worry free without having to cut short their conversations.

Vodafone India director – commercial said, “At Vodafone, the customer is at the heart of all that we do and it is an ongoing endeavour to come up with unmatched value and convenience for our customers. Even though outgoing charges while roaming had become comparable to home charges, consumer research has shown that incoming charges while roaming have been a hindrance to worry free usage.”

“As part of our ongoing 200 million customer celebration, providing free incoming on national roaming will ensure that our customers do not think twice while traveling out of town. We hope that this Diwali gift will empower our customers to stay connected with their loved ones without worrying about roaming tariffs,” he added.

“Along with our recently launched international roaming daily pack which makes international roaming worry free, we are now confident that Vodafone India customers will not be holding back conversations while travelling nationally or internationally on Vodafone SuperNet™,” he said.

Vodafone India is a 100% fully owned subsidiary of the Vodafone Group Plc. with operations across the country serving over 200 million customers (over 107 million in rural areas). Commencing operations in 2007, Vodafone is today a robust, award winning business and committed for the long term. Vodafone Business Services serves the needs of enterprises and government by providing total telecommunications (Voice and Data) solutions across mobility and wireline platforms. Our mobile wallet, M-Pesa is a unique and innovative money transfer service from Vodafone that fosters financial inclusion.

October 21, 2016
Over 1.85 Crore Customers in Maharashtra and Goa Enjoy Super Voice and Data Experience with Vodafone SuperNetTM

MUMBAI: Vodafone India announced that Vodafone SuperNet, that offers the finest connectivity solutions, has been rolled out across Maharashtra and Goa benefitting over 1.85 Crore customers. Vodafone SuperNet, offers a seamless network experience that empowers customers to remain confidently connected at all times, for their voice and data needs.

Keeping with the Vodafone SuperNet™brand promise, Vodafone has added more than 2500 cell sites across Maharashtra and Goa to strengthen its network. Vodafone SuperNet™ 3G is now available across 552 towns and 8934 villages across the state supported by a strong fiber backhaul.

Inviting all residents of Maharashtra and Goa to experience the benefits of Vodafone SuperNet™, Ashish Chandra, Business Head – Maharashtra and Goa, Vodafone India said, “Quality of network plays a defining role in enhancing customer experience. We have made significant investments to expand, upgrade and modernise our network in Maharashtra and Goa in recent months to ensure that we provide the finest service experience and seamless connectivity to our valued customers. With the launch of Vodafone SuperNet™, we will continue to deploy multiple technologies to cater to the requirements of smart phone users in urban and rural Maharashtra and Goa, providing a seamless network experience beyond just speed”.

Vodafone SuperNet™ Advantage:
-Customers: Vodafone Maharashtra and Goa is proud to provide communication access and support to 1.85 Crore happy customers

-7 Towers every day: Vodafone has set up over 2500 sites in FY 2015-16, upgraded its coverage of both voice and data

-Fibre Backhaul: 1410 Kms added, High capacity Fibre backhaul (approx. 16000 Kms of fibre till date in 2016) in most of our sites allowing mobile internet to flow without any blockage

-Network War rooms: Best practice to monitor call drops which has resulted in call drop reduction by 40% in last 6 months

Launch of Vodafone U – a first-of-its-kind lifestyle proposition:
To celebrate the spirit of youth and to cater holistically to its need for being always connected, Vodafone India has recently announced a unique proposition ‘Vodafone ‘U’ – a first of its kind, lifestyle proposition designed especially for Young Indians.

Speaking about the launch of Vodafone U, Ashish Chandra said, “India’s 200 million strong youth are optimistic, vocal, trendsetting and very social media savvy. Brought-up in an ever connecting world courtesy the mobile revolution, today’s youth is extremely comfortable using multiple devices, technologies and apps. The mobile phone plays a central role in their life, both as a command center as well as a companion.Vodafone ‘U’, is thus designed to facilitate better, this unique relationship between the youth and their mobile in a more seamless and enriching way.”

He further added, “We have combined the best of Vodafone’s global experience with deep understanding of India to resonate #FunwithU. On offer is a bundle of benefits that will keep the young patrons of Vodafone ‘U’always connected with friends and fun via the world of internet, voice, music plus exciting digital offers and experiences. Fun is always on for the young as their world of interest, residing in their pocket, will be active, 24X7.”

Targeted at the socially active, rapidly growing and increasingly demanding Indian youth, Vodafone ‘U’ is a dynamic proposition, perfectly poised to be the ‘Connector’, ‘Enabler’ and ‘Entertainer’ by offering a wide array benefits, delivered digitally and accessible via the mobile to stay always connected with friends, fun and the internet.

Some key activations executed:
§ College canteen branding
§ CCD branding
§ PVR BluO branding

May 18, 2016
Over 1.85 Crore Customers in Maharashtra and Goa Enjoy Super Voice and Data Experience with Vodafone SuperNetTM

MUMBAI: Vodafone India announced that Vodafone SuperNet, that offers the finest connectivity solutions, has been rolled out across Maharashtra and Goa benefitting over 1.85 Crore customers. Vodafone SuperNet, offers a seamless network experience that empowers customers to remain confidently connected at all times, for their voice and data needs.

Keeping with the Vodafone SuperNet™brand promise, Vodafone has added more than 2500 cell sites across Maharashtra and Goa to strengthen its network. Vodafone SuperNet™ 3G is now available across 552 towns and 8934 villages across the state supported by a strong fiber backhaul.

Inviting all residents of Maharashtra and Goa to experience the benefits of Vodafone SuperNet™, Ashish Chandra, Business Head – Maharashtra and Goa, Vodafone India said, “Quality of network plays a defining role in enhancing customer experience. We have made significant investments to expand, upgrade and modernise our network in Maharashtra and Goa in recent months to ensure that we provide the finest service experience and seamless connectivity to our valued customers. With the launch of Vodafone SuperNet™, we will continue to deploy multiple technologies to cater to the requirements of smart phone users in urban and rural Maharashtra and Goa, providing a seamless network experience beyond just speed”.

Vodafone SuperNet™ Advantage:
-Customers: Vodafone Maharashtra and Goa is proud to provide communication access and support to 1.85 Crore happy customers

-7 Towers every day: Vodafone has set up over 2500 sites in FY 2015-16, upgraded its coverage of both voice and data

-Fibre Backhaul: 1410 Kms added, High capacity Fibre backhaul (approx. 16000 Kms of fibre till date in 2016) in most of our sites allowing mobile internet to flow without any blockage

-Network War rooms: Best practice to monitor call drops which has resulted in call drop reduction by 40% in last 6 months

Launch of Vodafone U – a first-of-its-kind lifestyle proposition:
To celebrate the spirit of youth and to cater holistically to its need for being always connected, Vodafone India has recently announced a unique proposition ‘Vodafone ‘U’ – a first of its kind, lifestyle proposition designed especially for Young Indians.

Speaking about the launch of Vodafone U, Ashish Chandra said, “India’s 200 million strong youth are optimistic, vocal, trendsetting and very social media savvy. Brought-up in an ever connecting world courtesy the mobile revolution, today’s youth is extremely comfortable using multiple devices, technologies and apps. The mobile phone plays a central role in their life, both as a command center as well as a companion.Vodafone ‘U’, is thus designed to facilitate better, this unique relationship between the youth and their mobile in a more seamless and enriching way.”

He further added, “We have combined the best of Vodafone’s global experience with deep understanding of India to resonate #FunwithU. On offer is a bundle of benefits that will keep the young patrons of Vodafone ‘U’always connected with friends and fun via the world of internet, voice, music plus exciting digital offers and experiences. Fun is always on for the young as their world of interest, residing in their pocket, will be active, 24X7.”

Targeted at the socially active, rapidly growing and increasingly demanding Indian youth, Vodafone ‘U’ is a dynamic proposition, perfectly poised to be the ‘Connector’, ‘Enabler’ and ‘Entertainer’ by offering a wide array benefits, delivered digitally and accessible via the mobile to stay always connected with friends, fun and the internet.

Some key activations executed:
§ College canteen branding
§ CCD branding
§ PVR BluO branding

May 18, 2016
FY-16: Vodafone’s data revenue grows 45 percent; service revenue up 5 percent

BENGALURU: Vodafone India reported 45.2 percent growth in revenue from data (browsing) for the year ended 31 March 2016 (FY-16, current year) as compared to the previous year. The telecom major’s total and service revenues in the current year increased 5 percent each as compared to FY-15. Vodafone’s reported data revenue for the current year at Rs 8,263 crore as against Rs 5,690 in Fy-15. Service revenue in the current year was Rs 44,303 crore as compared to Rs 42,204 crore in FY-15.

Note: The unit of currency in this report is the Indian rupee – Rs (also conventionally represented by INR). The Indian numbering system or the Vedic numbering system has been used to denote money values. The basic conversion to the international norm would be:
(a) 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10,000,000 = 10 million = 1 crore.
(b) 10,000 lakh = 100 crore = 1 arab = 1 billion.
(c) All numbers are standalone. The Financial results for Vodafone India have been derived from the consolidated financial results of Vodafone Group Plc. and this may differ from Vodafone India’s financial statements prepared in Indian GAAP, Ind (AS) or IFRS.

Vodafone reported total revenue in the current year at Rs 44.490 crore as compared to Rs 42,378 crore in the previous year. EBIDTA in FY-16 at Rs 13,115 crore (29.5 percent EBIDTA margin) grew 4.1 percent from Rs 12,598 crore (29.7 percent margin) in the previous year. Vodafone says that underlying service revenue growth percentage is adjusted for regulatory impacts.

Vodafone India managing director and CEO Sunil Sood, commented,“We continue to deliver healthy double digit underlying revenue growth of 10 percent and a healthy EBITDA margin. There is a strong uptake in data and our usage has gone up 63 percent YoY. Last year, we also embarked on an ambitious initiative to invest, modernize and expand our network to launch Vodafone SuperNetTM –providing a seamless voice and data experience for our customers. Shortly, our 4G services will be available in 1000 towns across 9 circles in India. We remain committed to fulfil the evolving needs of our customers and leverage our global experience plus rich understanding of India to play a meaningful role in enabling Digital India.”

Subscription numbers

Vodafone’s customer base in FY-16 grew 7.7 percent to 19.79 crore from 18.38 crore in FY-15. Data users consuming more than 1 MB data in FY-16 grew 12 percent to 4.48 crore from 4 crore in the previous year. Data Users grew 5.9 percent in FY-16 to 6.75 crore from 6.38 crore in FY-15. 3G users in FY-16 grew 43.3 percent to 2.78 crore from 1.94 crore in FY-15.

Vodafone reported overall annualized subscriber churn of 51.8 percent as compared to 52.6 percent in the previous year. Post-paid subscriber churn in FY-16 increased to 21.7 percent from20.9 percent in the previous year, while post-paid subscriber churn increased to 54.1 percent from 52.6 percent from the previous year.

Vodafone India is a 100 percent fully owned subsidiary of the Vodafone Group Plc. with operations across the country serving approximately 19.8 crore customers (over 10.7 crore in rural areas).

May 17, 2016
FY-16: Vodafone’s data revenue grows 45 percent; service revenue up 5 percent

BENGALURU: Vodafone India reported 45.2 percent growth in revenue from data (browsing) for the year ended 31 March 2016 (FY-16, current year) as compared to the previous year. The telecom major’s total and service revenues in the current year increased 5 percent each as compared to FY-15. Vodafone’s reported data revenue for the current year at Rs 8,263 crore as against Rs 5,690 in Fy-15. Service revenue in the current year was Rs 44,303 crore as compared to Rs 42,204 crore in FY-15.

Note: The unit of currency in this report is the Indian rupee – Rs (also conventionally represented by INR). The Indian numbering system or the Vedic numbering system has been used to denote money values. The basic conversion to the international norm would be:
(a) 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10,000,000 = 10 million = 1 crore.
(b) 10,000 lakh = 100 crore = 1 arab = 1 billion.
(c) All numbers are standalone. The Financial results for Vodafone India have been derived from the consolidated financial results of Vodafone Group Plc. and this may differ from Vodafone India’s financial statements prepared in Indian GAAP, Ind (AS) or IFRS.

Vodafone reported total revenue in the current year at Rs 44.490 crore as compared to Rs 42,378 crore in the previous year. EBIDTA in FY-16 at Rs 13,115 crore (29.5 percent EBIDTA margin) grew 4.1 percent from Rs 12,598 crore (29.7 percent margin) in the previous year. Vodafone says that underlying service revenue growth percentage is adjusted for regulatory impacts.

Vodafone India managing director and CEO Sunil Sood, commented,“We continue to deliver healthy double digit underlying revenue growth of 10 percent and a healthy EBITDA margin. There is a strong uptake in data and our usage has gone up 63 percent YoY. Last year, we also embarked on an ambitious initiative to invest, modernize and expand our network to launch Vodafone SuperNetTM –providing a seamless voice and data experience for our customers. Shortly, our 4G services will be available in 1000 towns across 9 circles in India. We remain committed to fulfil the evolving needs of our customers and leverage our global experience plus rich understanding of India to play a meaningful role in enabling Digital India.”

Subscription numbers

Vodafone’s customer base in FY-16 grew 7.7 percent to 19.79 crore from 18.38 crore in FY-15. Data users consuming more than 1 MB data in FY-16 grew 12 percent to 4.48 crore from 4 crore in the previous year. Data Users grew 5.9 percent in FY-16 to 6.75 crore from 6.38 crore in FY-15. 3G users in FY-16 grew 43.3 percent to 2.78 crore from 1.94 crore in FY-15.

Vodafone reported overall annualized subscriber churn of 51.8 percent as compared to 52.6 percent in the previous year. Post-paid subscriber churn in FY-16 increased to 21.7 percent from20.9 percent in the previous year, while post-paid subscriber churn increased to 54.1 percent from 52.6 percent from the previous year.

Vodafone India is a 100 percent fully owned subsidiary of the Vodafone Group Plc. with operations across the country serving approximately 19.8 crore customers (over 10.7 crore in rural areas).

May 17, 2016
ZooZoo emoji record 90 million impressions on Twitter in just two days

NEW DELHI:: Vodafone India’s ZooZoo in its unique emoji avatar generated an estimate of 90 million (9 crore) impressions in just 2 days of its launch on Twitter. Zoozoo fans across the world shared their emotions, using specially designed emojis linked to two hashtags – #BeSuper and #HakkeBakke.

Vodafone and Twitter had partnered to launch the ZooZoo in emoji avatar on 25 April, the first time that a corporate emoji was thus launched. The emoji of the Super ZooZoo appeared next to the #BeSuper and #HakkeBakke hashtag in any tweet sent worldwide.

Speaking about this unique initiative, Vodafone India Brand and Consumer Insights National Head Siddharth Banerjee said, “With visual content gaining popularity especially among younger consumers, emojis have a broad play across all demographics. Vodafone India has always been at the forefront of providing innovative and user friendly mobile internet experience for its customers in India. Our partnership with Twitter and the customised brand emojis was yet another step in our ongoing endeavour to make mobile internet more fun, smart, engaging and easy. This innovative initiative to engage with social media savvy customers saw much success and we will be further integrating these ZooZoo emojis into our marketing and ad campaigns on social media”

Twitter,Business Head of India Taranjeet Singh said, “Innovation through custom emojis enhances a brand’s personality and engagement on Twitter. The Zoozoo is an established icon associated with IPL for many years now. We are proud to partner with Vodafone to introduce Zoozoo to Twitter as the first brand emoji for India this cricket season”.

Twitter has teamed with select brands since late 2015 to co-create the branded emojis including the government’s Twitter Emoji of #MakeInIndia. Associating with Vodafone India marked the beginning of India’s first corporate brand emoji launch.

April 29, 2016
ZooZoo emoji record 90 million impressions on Twitter in just two days

NEW DELHI:: Vodafone India’s ZooZoo in its unique emoji avatar generated an estimate of 90 million (9 crore) impressions in just 2 days of its launch on Twitter. Zoozoo fans across the world shared their emotions, using specially designed emojis linked to two hashtags – #BeSuper and #HakkeBakke.

Vodafone and Twitter had partnered to launch the ZooZoo in emoji avatar on 25 April, the first time that a corporate emoji was thus launched. The emoji of the Super ZooZoo appeared next to the #BeSuper and #HakkeBakke hashtag in any tweet sent worldwide.

Speaking about this unique initiative, Vodafone India Brand and Consumer Insights National Head Siddharth Banerjee said, “With visual content gaining popularity especially among younger consumers, emojis have a broad play across all demographics. Vodafone India has always been at the forefront of providing innovative and user friendly mobile internet experience for its customers in India. Our partnership with Twitter and the customised brand emojis was yet another step in our ongoing endeavour to make mobile internet more fun, smart, engaging and easy. This innovative initiative to engage with social media savvy customers saw much success and we will be further integrating these ZooZoo emojis into our marketing and ad campaigns on social media”

Twitter,Business Head of India Taranjeet Singh said, “Innovation through custom emojis enhances a brand’s personality and engagement on Twitter. The Zoozoo is an established icon associated with IPL for many years now. We are proud to partner with Vodafone to introduce Zoozoo to Twitter as the first brand emoji for India this cricket season”.

Twitter has teamed with select brands since late 2015 to co-create the branded emojis including the government’s Twitter Emoji of #MakeInIndia. Associating with Vodafone India marked the beginning of India’s first corporate brand emoji launch.

April 29, 2016