Porting Process Will Create Panic Around Industry In the entire process, SBICap Securities research head Rajiv Sharma noted that “Porting process will result in a panic situation as the telcos currently operate at 70 % to 80 % of their network utilisation. Without additional spectrum, dividing one-third of the telecom industry between two telecom operators will be difficult”. However, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have already started discussions regarding their network case and expansion in case if Vodafone Idea falls. Currently, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have 283 Million and 370 Million subscribers, respectively. Vodafone Idea Has to Pay Rs 57,000 Crore to DoT Vodafone Idea has to pay Rs 57,000 crore AGR dues to DoT. The telco giant estimated their AGR dues at Rs 23,000 crore out of which Rs 7,000 crore is the principal amount. So far, telco giant has just paid Rs 3,500 crore. As per the cash experts, Vodafone Idea will face difficulty in paying their self-assessed AGR dues. Not only this, the telco has requested DoT to not encash its bank guarantees against unpaid AGR dues, as it would lead to shutting down of the telco giant. Government is also planning to create stress funds for telcos which would offer soft loans on easy terms.
