New Delhi: Telecom Czar Sunil Mittal on Thursday said this industry was under extraordinary pressure and hoped the government would ensure that Indian digital dreams remained intact through the supply of at least three operators.
Mittal acknowledged that telecommunication rates need to rise and the airtel would “not doubt” in this case, but it was quick to add that it could not be done “unilaterally”.
“To say the telecommunications industry in a slight problem is an underestimated statement , “said Chairperson of Bharti Airtel Mittal.
He spoke to reporters at Oneweb’s virtual event, a satellite communication company led by Bharti Global and the British government.
Mittal said Bharti Airtel gave rise to time and adequate funds, through equity and bonds, and emphasized that the company was positioned strongly to serve the market in the coming years.
“We never go to the forest at all.
We are a strong company, a lot of time we underestimated in our determination,” added Mittal.
He conceded that the last 5-6 years had been brutal and showed that the results for all to be seen.
“Ten operators came out of business, two joined together …
panting for breath now,” he said.
This industry must be healthy to start 5G services, and to meet Indian digital dreams, he said.
Asked whether the company would see raising rates, Mittal said, “We will not hesitate to do it, but it cannot be done unilaterally”.
“How long can you continue to kill each other, the point is when you have a return on capital, even by the best operators, with a little digit and most of them struggle …
I don’t say …
raising …
Rates always sound bad …
take it back to that place …
enjoy consumption 15 times, but at least return to the old rate, “he said.