AGR issue: Analysts say Bharti Airtel at lower risk, mixed views on Vodafone Idea sustainability

Bharti Airtel is better placed to offer guarantees for securing staggered payments, if permitted, in the AGR matter where the Supreme Court has asked private telcos for road map on payment, timelines, and the security they can furnish, said analysts while airing mixed views on sustainability of Vodafone Idea.

Higher liability and keenness on debt reduction will ensure pricing discipline in sector, analysts said.

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked telecom companies, including Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea Ltd, to file affidavit explaining the time needed by them to clear the remaining statutory dues that arose from the court verdict of including non-telecom revenues for calculating dues to the government.