Kumar Mangalam Birla-led Idea Cellular has merged Vodafone India with itself to create country's largest telco with subscriber base of 408 million, overtaking Sunil Bharti Mittal led Bharti Airtel. Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Jio is at the third spot with 215 million subscribers.
The merged entity will be known as Vodafone Idea Limited with Mr. Kumar Mangalam as its chairman.
However, both Vodafone and Idea brands, which have strong consumer affinity across metro, urban, rural and deep interior markets, will continue to operate.
A fillip to PM's vision
On the occasion of the merger, Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Idea Limited, said, “Today, we have created India’s leading telecom operator. It is truly a historic moment. And this is much more than just about creating a large business. It is about our vision of empowering and enabling a New India and meeting the aspirations of the youth of our country. The “Digital India”, as our Honourable Prime Minister describes it, is a monumental nation building opportunity. As Vodafone Idea, we are partnering in this initiative by building a formidable company of international repute, scale and standards.”
"Vodafone Idea will accelerate India’s progression towards a digital economy, enabling millions of citizens to connect to the digital revolution and build a better tomorrow", said a company statement adding that the company will continue to offer a wide variety of digital services and solutions under both of our popular and loved brands (Vodafone and Idea).
Welcoming customers to India’s leading telecom network, Balesh Sharma, CEO, Vodafone Idea Limited, said, “As India’s leading telecom operator with two popular and loved brands, the company has the scale and resources to ensure sustainable customer choice and introduce new technologies. We are committed to offer both our retail and enterprise customers an excellent experience while fulfilling their evolving digital and connectivity needs via new products, services and solutions. We will offer them more network coverage, more value and more excitement. My team and I look forward to your continuing support and invite you to enjoy the Vodafone Idea experience.”
""The combined company is designed to be agile, digitally savvy and future fit. It is a professionally run world class organisation, combining the best from both Vodafone India and Idea Cellular. The company is committed to create a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect, join the digital revolution and build a better tomorrow, said the statement adding that it will accelerate India’s progression towards a digital economy with a portfolio of quality products and services on offer under both its popular and loved brands — Vodafone and Idea.
"With 1850 MHz of total spectrum holding, over 200,000 unique GSM sites and about 235,000 kms of fibre, the merged company offers superior voice and broadband connectivity across the country, covering 92% of the population and reaching nearly 500,000 towns and villages. This extensive infrastructure will allow customers to remain confidently connected across the country and enjoy uninterrupted services even as it integrates and optimizes its network in a phased manner across circles" the statement added.
