Tariff hike needed as current rates ‘unsustainable’, says Airtel’s Mittal

Telecom tariff hike is needed as the current rates are “unsustainable” and market conditions will be seen before a call is taken, telecom czar and chairman of Bharti Airtel Sunil Mittal has said.

On the issue of whether or not Chinese telecom equipment vendors will be allowed to participate in next-generation 5G networks, Mittal said the larger question is that of the nation’s decision and asserted “what the country decides will be accepted by everyone”.

Where tariffs are concerned, the company has already taken a clear stance on the issue, he said adding that Airtel is of the firm view that tariffs need go up.

“…current tariffs are unsustainable but Airtel cannot move without the industry moving or the regulator moving,” Mittal told PTI in an interview.