Mobile Operators Seek Govt Support

Citing slowdown in foreign investments, declining financial performance, further reduction in average revenue per user (Arpu) and increase in capital expenditure, mobile operators have called for an immediate government intervention. The operators are demanding liberalisation of merger and acquisition norms, rationalisation of central and state levies, release of more spectrum and reduction in cost burden. The latest report by PricewaterhouseCoppers (PwC), commissioned by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) on the Indian mobile services sector, indicates a 35% drop in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector in the current fiscal compared to FY10.