5G services likely priced at a premium, but with more data dollops: Takkar

MUMBAI: Vodafone Idea MD Ravinder Takkar said that the fund infusion by promoters, the government reform package, return of bank guarantees and tariff hikes are being perceived positively by the lender and investor community and the telco remains in active talks for funds.

In an earnings call with analysts Thursday, Takkar also said that 5G pricing will depend on the evolution and adoption of 5G use cases. But he does see it being priced at a premium to 4G with the caveat that it will require higher data bundling given the expected increase in data consumption over 5G.

The comments came with analysts raising concerns over the telco’s ability to protect its market share in light of reducing capex towards expanding its current 4G network. They also questioned the ability of the telco to roll out meaningful 5G services, with stronger peers Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio poised to roll out their networks shortly.