Google explores 5% stake in Vodafone Idea

In what could alter the Indian telecom scenario, Google is reportedly exploring to buy a 5% stake in financially-stressed Vodafone Idea, a move that would not only pit Sundar Pichai-led tech giant against Facebook which has poured in ₹43,574 crore for 9.99% stake in Reliance-led Jio Platforms but also help struggling Vodafone stand up in the world’s fastest growing mobile market.

According to a report in the Financial Times on Thursday, people familiar with the matter said Google is exploring an investment in Vodafone’s struggling India business.

“One of the people said Google was considering buying a stake of about 5% in Vodafone Idea, a partnership between the UK telecom company and India’s Aditya Birla Group that has been under severe financial strain. Another said the process was at a very early stage,” the report claimed.