Vodafone Idea prepaid, postpaid plans to get costlier amid survival concerns

To survive financial stress following the recent Supreme Court's AGR ruling, Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) will increase its tariffs effective 1st December 2019, the telecom operator said in its statement. Starting next month, Vodafone Idea customers can expect prices of calls and data to increase marginally. As a result, both prepaid and postpaid plans of Vodafone Idea will get costlier.

Vodafone Idea services to get costlier

Vodafone Idea said the acute financial stress in the telecom sector has been acknowledged by all stakeholders and a high-level Committee of Secretaries (CoS) headed by the Cabinet Secretary is looking into providing appropriate relief. Vodafone Idea has also promised to 'actively invest in making its network future-fit by embedding new-age technologies' amid concerns on its survival.

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"To ensure that its customers continue to enjoy world-class digital experiences, Vodafone Idea will suitably increase the prices of its tariffs effective December 1, 2019," Vodafone Idea said in a statement.

Vodafone Idea last week reported consolidated loss of Rs 50,921 crore - highest ever loss posted by any Indian corporate - for the second quarter ended September 30, on account of liability arising out of the Supreme Court order in the adjusted gross revenue case.

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The Supreme Court last month ruled in favour of the government and directed telecom companies, including Vodafone Idea, to pay dues as demanded by the Department of Telecom.

Vodafone Idea said that now its ability to continue business will depend on reliefs sought from the government and positive outcome of the legal option it has.

(With agency inputs)