Bharti Airtel acquired Telenor India for R1,600 crore, which has operations in seven circles with revenue market share (RMS) of around 5%. As a result, Bharti’s RMS will now grow to 38% from 33%. Bharti would gain around 44 million new subscribers, adding to its current base of 266 million.
Similarly, Vodafone India and Idea Cellular are reportedly in talks for an all-share merger. If that happens, on a pan-India basis the combined entity will have RMS of 43%. Reliance Communications has also acquired MTS, though its proposed merger with Aircel depends on the Supreme Court verdict.
At present, the three big players—Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India and Idea Cellular—command 75% of the RMS.
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Since its launch in September last year, RJio has garnered 100 million subscribers. The company will start charging tariff for its services from April 1, but will offer sharp discounts to the existing 100 million subscribers and those who sign up by March 31. In order to retain existing customers, all the telecom companies have reduced their tariff plans. Bharti Airtel has removed all roaming charges for outgoing and incoming calls within India and has also cut international roaming rates.
