With the rise of Jio and BSNL, dark clouds loom over Vodafone Idea (Vi) customers. Bad news could strike millions of Vi users soon, as the company is likely to increase its tariff rates. A senior official from Vodafone Idea Limited reiterated on Thursday the need for a tariff hike. He stated that customers who consume more data should pay higher charges for the services. This move aims to provide a fair return to the industry while ensuring connectivity for all sections of society.
Indian Wireless Sector Faces Challenges
Vodafone Idea (VIL) recently announced its financial results for the second quarter ending September 30, 2024. After the announcement, CEO Akshay Mundra shared concerns about the state of the Indian wireless sector, highlighting that it is in a critical condition.
Customer Loss Due to Tariff Hike Reversing
Mundra pointed out that although Vodafone Idea lost customers to BSNL due to recent tariff hikes, the situation is now changing. He attributed this shift to the improved “network experience” offered by BSNL, helping the company win back some customers.
Need for Big Investments in Technology
CEO Akshay Mundra explained that the sector needs substantial investment to support the development of new technology and data services. He elaborated on maintaining affordable tariffs while ensuring these investments require a balance. He stated, “Customers who use more services should pay more, allowing the industry to get a fair return on its investment.”
Tariff Hike and Its Impact on Customer Numbers
Vodafone Idea raised its mobile service tariffs by 11 to 24 per cent starting July 4. However, the tariff hike led to a decrease in both total customers and 4G users. The company’s total customer base dropped from 210 million to 205 million, and 4G users fell from 126.7 million to 125.9 million on a quarterly basis.