Airtel, Vodafone Idea’s Q1 mobile revenues to fall due to lockdown: Report

Wireless revenues of telecom companies Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea Ltd (VIL) are expected to fall during the first quarter of current fiscal on account of the nationwide lockdown, according to a report by Emkay Global.

The lockdown imposed to combat the coronavirus pandemic, led to delayed recharges, fewer subscriber additions, and the absence of international roaming revenues for telcos.

“Wireless revenues for Bharti and VIL shall fall in Q1FY21 due to the nationwide lockdown, which resulted in delayed recharges by low ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) prepaid subscribers on account of the reverse labour migration and impact on income levels, minimal subscriber additions, SIM consolidation, and absence of international roaming revenues,” Emkay Global said in its sector update.