Vodafone Idea seeks higher tariffs for data, outgoing calls
Vodafone Idea has written to the Department of Telecommunications, seeking higher tariffs for data and minimum monthly connection charge. The beleaguered telco wants minimum price of data to be fixed at Rs. 35 per gigabyte and minimum monthly connection charge at Rs. 50 from April 1 onwards. Vodafone Idea has also asked to fix minimum price of outgoing calls at 6 paise per minute.
Minimum price of data should be fixed at Rs. 35/GB
Vodafone Idea is struggling to clear the adjusted gross revenue dues of Rs. 53,000 crore. Hence, seeking help to pay the statutory dues, the telco has asked the Department of Telecommunications to revise some tariffs. The telco has requested the nodal authority to fix minimum price of data at Rs. 35/GB. For comparison, one gigabyte of data in India currently costs Rs. 4-5.
Outgoing calls should be fixed at 6 paise/minute (minimum)
In its letter, Vodafone Idea has also asked that the minimum price of outgoing calls should be fixed at 6 paise per minute, which is the prevailing IUC rate set by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. At present, the telco offers unlimited free calls to all its postpaid subscribers as well as to prepaid users who opt for one of the unlimited plans.
Minimum monthly connection charge should be increased to Rs. 50
Alongside the increase in data and voice tariffs, Vodafone Idea has also requested DoT to increase the minimum monthly connection charge to Rs. 50. The telco has requested that this change should be implemented from April 1, 2020 itself.
Vodafone Idea has sought 18 years time to clear dues
Vodafone Idea has revealed its massive losses. Its falling market share and the payment of AGR dues to the government have further worsened the situation for the loss-making company. According to official source, the telco has "sought 18 years time to clear the dues, including a three-year moratorium on payment of interest and penalty."
