Big news for Vodafone-Idea customers! The service will be expensive from April 1

Big news for Vodafone-Idea customers! The service will be expensive from April 1

Telecom company Vodafone Idea has demanded at least Rs 35 per GB rate for mobile data. This is seven to eight times the current rate. The company has also demanded a fixed rate of 6 paise per minute for call services along with a fixed monthly fee. The company said that these new rates should be brought in from April 1 so that it will be able to pay AGR dues and operate its business.

According to official sources, the company has demanded an 18-year timeframe for AGR dues. In addition, the company has said that it should also get three years exemption from interest and penalty payments.

According to the Supreme Court order, Vodafone Idea has an AGR of about Rs 53,000 crore. The company has so far paid only Rs 3500 crore to the telecommunications department. An official said on condition of anonymity, "Vodafone Idea has made several demands to the government to remain operational. The company expects that from April 1, 2020, the fee for mobile data will be at least 35 rupees GB and the minimum monthly connection fee is Rs 50. This is a very difficult demand and the government has difficulty accepting it.

The minimum rate of six paisa per minute should also be fixed for call services as per the demand for money call rate. The company made this demand when it had already increased mobile service rates by 50% in the last three months. The source said, "According to the company, increasing the rates of mobile calls and data will help it achieve the level of revenue that Idea and Vodafone were able to earn separately in 2015-16.

The company said it would take three years to get that level of income, which is why it has demanded a three-year exemption in AGR penalties and interest payments. A spokeswoman for Vodafone Idea declined to comment. The government charges license fees and spectrum usage based on the revenues of telecom companies.

Attempts to take more money from customers

Sources say that Vodafone Idea, which is pressured under the debt burden, will have to pay Rs 53,000 crore anyway. In this link, the company is considering raising mobile tariffs next April. Because of this, the company is now looking to increase the charge for mobile data to a minimum of Rs 35 per GB. In addition, the company is planning to increase the call rate by 6 paise. Call services have also increased mobile service rates by up to 50% within a minimum of three months.

The telecom department is planning to provide loan relief

On the other hand, officials of the telecom department say that the government is considering giving some relief to the existing AGR balance on Vodafone Idea. It is likely that all telecom companies should be given some time to pay the AGR dues. The government wants companies to pay in installments.