Telecom needs ‘long overdue’ support for 3+1 structure: Sunil Mittal

Bharti Airtel Chairman Sunil Mittal on Tuesday said the telecom sector needs the “long overdue” government support to maintain its current 3+1 structure, hinting at a relief package for the beleaguered competitor Vodafone Idea.

The 3+1 structure refers to three private players — Jio, Airtel, VIL — and a public sector telco — BSNL.

Issues such as unsustainable pricing and low returns in a highly capital-intensive environment, coupled with legacy legal issues, have taken their toll, Mittal said in Airtel’s annual report for 2020-21.

India continues to be a “promising destination” for long-term investors, he pointed out. “We have the opportunity to transform India into a global leader in the digital economy.