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EV companies seek stability in incentives ahead of FAME-III rollout
The comparison between FAME-II and EMPS subsidies is crucial, as highlighted by a report from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations, emphasizing the importance of stable subsidy regimes for the EV industry's growth.
Tariff hikes to raise ARPU by 15 pc, help expand operating profits for telcos: Report
Tariff hikes by top telcos in FY25 are projected to significantly boost the industry's PBILDT, leading to a 15% increase in blended ARPU. This increase will aid telcos in deleveraging, funding technology upgrades, and expanding networks while also improving debt levels post-June 2024 spectrum auction.
MHA provides training, tech help for rollout of criminal laws
The Ministry of Home Affairs in India has trained 40 lakh grassroots-level functionaries and over 5.65 lakh police, prison, forensic, judicial, and prosecution officials to prepare for the rollout of three new criminal laws, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023.
Trai invites views on norm for transferring ownership of machine-to-machine SIMs
The telecom regulator, Trai, is seeking industry views on allowing critical M2M communication services on unlicensed airwaves. It has identified 20 critical M2M services, including those for connected & autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, and smart grid operations.
Apple delays rollout of AI features in Europe
Apple on Friday said it would delay the rollout of its recently announced AI features in Europe because of "regulatory uncertainties" linked to the EU's new landmark legislation to curb the power of big tech. Apple earlier this month unveiled "Apple Intelligence," its suite of AI features for its coveted devices as it looks to reassure users that it is not falling behind on the AI frenzy.
Mamata Banerjee asks PM Modi to defer rollout of 3 criminal laws
The chief minister also noted that these critical Bills "were passed "unilaterally" without "any debate" on December 20. She said 146 parliamentarians were suspended on the day when the Bills were passed.
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Vi completes minimum 5G rollout requirements
Vodafone Idea (Vi) has announced completion of its Minimum Rollout Obligations (MRO) across all 17 circles where it acquired 5G spectrum in August 2022. This step is essential for commencing 5G services, although Vi has yet to announce detailed rollout plans due to financial constraints. Unlike its competitors Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, which have almost completed nationwide 5G rollouts, Vi plans to gradually expand its network starting with equipment orders to vendors like Nokia and Ericsson.
Buoyed by ₹18,000 crore fund-raise, Vi beefs up 4G coverage, network in UP, Uttarakhand
The company plans to add a 900 MHz band layer, which will significantly enhance indoor network experience for its customers in the two circles. “The deployment of L900 coverage will be beneficial in urban areas with dense building infrastructure, as well as suburban and rural areas where signal penetration is a challenge,” Vi said in a statement Thursday.
Airtel prepays Rs 7,904 cr to clear all spectrum dues
Bharti Airtel has prepaid ₹7,904 crore to the telecom department, clearing the remaining payment for spectrum bought in 2012 and 2015 auctions. This move will lead to interest cost savings and boost cash flows as the company nears the completion of its nationwide 5G rollout. The prepaid amount fully clears all deferred liabilities pertaining to spectrum acquired in the 2012 and 2015 auctions, which had the highest interest costs of 9.75% and 10%, respectively. The company had opted for a four-year moratorium on spectrum and adjusted gross revenue payments, estimated to give it around ₹48,000 crore in cash flow relief.
Vodafone Idea prefers stock as payment for Nokia and Ericsson bills
The board of directors of VIL approved a preferential allotment of 1.66 billion equity shares at Rs 14.80 per share to Finland’s Nokia and Sweden’s Ericsson, for a total of up to Rs 2,458 crore, the company said in a statement Thursday. Nokia will invest up to Rs 1,520 crore and Ericsson up to Rs 938 crore. The issue price is 35% higher than that in the April follow-on offer (FPO) of Rs 11 a share and comes with a lock-in period of six months.
Vi board gives nod to raising Rs 2,458 crore through preferential issue of shares to Nokia, Ericsson
Telecom company Vodafone Idea (Vi) plans to raise upto Rs 2,458 crore through a preferential issue of equity shares to its two European gear vendors Nokia and Ericsson, clearing part of their pending dues and setting stage for Vi’s 4G expansion and 5G rollout.
Road ministry to roll-out satellite based toll collection on highways soon
The National Highways Authority of India, under the ministry of road transport and highways, has invited bids for to develop and implement GNSS-based electronic toll collection system in India, first on commercial vehicles and extended to private vehicles over the next two years.
Airtel, Jio free cash flow seen rising amid falling capex spends, growing ARPU
Analysts predict Bharti Airtel's and Reliance Jio's free cash flows to rise in FY26, reaching approximately Rs 56,000 crore and Rs 38,500 crore, respectively. This growth stems from reduced capital expenditures and higher average revenue per user (ARPU). Both telcos expect a surge in ARPU driven by tariff hikes and increased data usage amid 5G deployments
Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel's returns on investment set to double in 4 years
Macquarie Research estimates Airtel's ROCE (return on capital employed) to surge to 10-19% during FY25-28 from 2-6% in the last more than a decade, aided by tariff hikes, better subscriber mix and capex moderation. Airtel had invested $32 billion in FY24, generating a return of 8%. Over the next four years, while investments will drop to $28 billion per year, returns will likely more than double to 19%, Macquarie data showed.
FAME 3 rollout soon; Euler Motors fundraise
The next edition of the electric vehicle incentive scheme is likely to be unveiled within months of the new government taking charge. Details on this and more in today's ETtech Top 5.
Optic fiber cable component maker Runaya aims to grow rev to Rs 500 cr over next 3-4 years
The transition to 5G and the associated infrastructure upgrades are driving this demand, with the global market for fiber optic cables expected to grow from $9.2 billion in 2021 to over $12 billion by 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10%, according to estimates by the company.
Nomura upgrades Vodafone Idea, doubles target price. Should you buy?
Vodafone Idea Target Price: Nomura has upgraded its rating on Vodafone Idea, expressing optimism that the worst is behind the company and it is now poised for better prospects. The stock has been upgraded from "reduce" to "neutral". Vodafone Idea's Q4 revenue stood at Rs 10,600 crore, which was in line with estimates.
DMEO, an attached office of NITI Aayog, to evaluate the roll-out and implementation status of e-Vidhan project
The Indian government is assessing the implementation of the e-Vidhan project, a mission mode project for state legislatures, under the Digital India Programme. The project aims to make all legislatures paperless, streamline information exchange, and enable members to use the latest ICT tools. The Development, Monitoring and Evaluation Office is inviting bids to evaluate the project's progress and identify concerns. The evaluation is expected to be completed within four months, with the inception report submitted within 30 days.
Less enthusiasm on the spectrum front
Airtel has to top up on spectrum that is lapsing in select telecom circles. Jio can afford to take it easy after having cornered the biggest chunk of airwaves put up for sale in the previous round of auctions in 2022. In the event, Jio still remains the most hungry for spectrum, signalling its interest to buy three times as much as Airtel, and 10 times as much as Vi.
Vi mulls rolling out 5G on large scale in 6 months, plans up to Rs 55,000 cr investment in 3 yrs
Vi CEO Akshaya Moondra said the company's investment will focus on expanding and strengthening coverage in 17 priority circles to be competitive.
Google I/O 2024 key announcements: Check latest Android features, Gemini upgrades, new AI assistant and more
Google I/O 2024 highlighted Google's strides in AI, especially with Gemini models improving applications like Workspace and Chrome. They're launching AI-generated answers atop search results in the US, with a global rollout planned, impacting how over a billion users access information. While this promises streamlined searches, concerns about site traffic remain. Other innovations showcased include Veo for video creation, Gemini's expanded capabilities, and Project Astra, an ambitious AI assistant.
Spectrum sale: Limited airwaves, huge investments discourage new entrants, say analysts
Analysts point to a lack of spectrum availability in key bands, coupled with high initial investment requirements of $16 billion for 5G airwaves and network rollouts, as key reasons why no new bidders have applied for the upcoming spectrum auction in Kolkata. Existing operators like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have already deployed countrywide 5G networks, further deterring new entrants due to the significant costs involved.
Government exploring options to roll out labour codes
The ministry of labour and employment is considering several options including a gradual repeal of the old labour laws to ensure there is no legal void in states that are yet to draft rules. Besides, the ministry is holding talks with states that are behind in publishing rules, urging them to expedite their compliance.
GCCs emerge as a key cog in telcos’ enterprise play
India’s top telcos are investing significantly in offshore units, known as global captivity centers (GCCs), resulting in strategic partnerships and tailored solutions. With the number of GCCs growing, enterprise revenue is expected to reach Rs 30,000 crore in FY24, impacting connectivity and network densification in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
What is Tesla's Full Self Driving and why its China rollout matters
Tesla CEO Elon Musk made an unannounced visit to Beijing to discuss the rollout of Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and data transfer permissions. Musk met with Premier Li Qiang, sharing a photo on social media. Tesla cleared regulatory hurdles for FSD in China, potentially boosting competition in the auto market. The move could also help Tesla navigate regulatory challenges and declining EV sales, while aligning with China's push for technological innovation and competition in the autonomous driving sector.
Elon Musk visits China as Tesla seeks self-driving technology rollout
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has visited Beijing to discuss the rollout of Full Self-Driving software and data transfer permissions overseas. The company has not made FSD available in China despite customer requests, and rival Chinese automakers like Xpeng have been attempting to gain an advantage over Tesla by rolling out similar software. Tesla has stored all data collected by its Chinese fleet in Shanghai since 2021, as required by Chinese regulators, and has not transferred any back to the United States.
Why this maverick investor is betting on Vodafone Idea
America's GQG Partners, known for successful bets on Adani companies, is now investing $400 million in Vodafone Idea's share sale, a move seen as a major endorsement for the struggling telecom giant. Vi, facing massive debt and structural issues, hopes the fund-raise will strengthen its position in the market.
Vodafone Idea allocates Rs 5,720 crore for 5G from FPO proceeds, but overall capex to be far higher
The telco aims to bring 40% of its existing revenue base under 5G coverage within the next 24-30 months. For 4G, Vi will invest in refarming the 900MHz and the 2100MHz spectrum for better coverage as well as expand 4G population coverage in 17 priority circles, chief executive Akshaya Moondra said at a news briefing.
Vodafone Idea expects 5G rollout in 6-9 months after FPO
Vodafone Idea plans 5G launch post Rs 18,000 crore FPO, targeting 40% revenue base coverage in 24-30 months. Rs 5,720 crore allocated for testing and vendor conversations. Challenges faced due to fund shortage.
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