Vodafone Idea narrows Q1 loss to ₹3,754 crore; revenue rises 6% to ₹11,689 crore, ARPU up 10.2% to ₹195

Vodafone Idea has reported a narrowed first-quarter loss of ₹3,754 crore, down from ₹6,608 crore a year earlier, as its revenue increased by 6% to ₹11,689 crore. This improvement is attributed to a rise in average revenue per user (ARPU), which climbed 10.2% to ₹195.

The company, which is heavily indebted, saw its consolidated loss after tax narrow significantly in the quarter ended June 30, reflecting a positive shift in its financial health. The ARPU increase was driven by a 2.1% rise in its 4G and 5G user base, although it remains the lowest among its competitors.

Vodafone Idea's total expenses decreased by 3% to ₹172.42 billion, while its EBITDA for the quarter was ₹5,034 crore, marking a 9.1% year-on-year growth. The EBITDA margin improved to 43.1% from 41.8% in the previous year.

The company reported a total subscriber base of 193.1 million, an increase from 192.8 million in the previous quarter, marking its first quarter of positive net subscriber addition since the merger of Vodafone India with Idea. The 4G/5G subscriber count rose to 130.1 million, up from 127.4 million a year ago.

Vodafone Idea has ramped up investments in its 4G and 5G networks, aiming to close the gap with larger rivals like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. The company has expanded its 5G coverage to over 200 cities and plans to increase its 4G population coverage to over 95% in the coming years.