New Delhi: Vodafone Idea reported Thursday widening of losses to Rs 6,438.8 crore in October-December 2019 against Rs 5,004.6 crore in the year-ago period as the AGR dues-hit telco reeled under the impact of increased finance costs and higher depreciation of assets.
Its total income fell by five per cent to Rs 11,380.5 crore in the third quarter of 2019-20 from Rs 11,982.8 crore in the year-ago quarter, according to a regulatory filing.
Finance costs of the company surged almost 30 per cent to Rs 3,722.2 crore, while depreciation went up by 23 per cent to Rs 5,877.4 crore.
Ravinder Takkar, the MD and CEO of Vodafone Idea, said, “We continue to actively engage with the government seeking relief on the AGR and other matters. Post dismissal of our review petition, we have filed for modification of the supplementary order with Supreme Court.”
Thakkar asserted that the company remains focused on rapid network integration as well as 4G coverage and capacity expansion in its key markets.
“…after several quarters of pressure on topline, we witnessed consistent revenue turnaround from September onwards ie before the recent price hikes. The tariff increase effective December should further help in improving revenue performance going forward. We are currently on track to deliver our opex synergy targets by Q1FY21,” Thakkar said.
Vodafone Idea is staring at statutory dues of Rs 53,000 crore and the company has already warned of shutdown if no relief is given.
Agencies