FDI in telecom sector drops 43% in FY19: Ravi Shankar Prasad

27 Jun 2019 Evaluate

Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Indian telecom sector declined by around 43 percent to $2.6 billion in last financial year (FY19). The FDI equity inflow in the FY18 was $6,211.84 million whereas the FDI equity inflow in the FY19 was $2,667.91 million.

He stated that the quantum and nature of FDI inflows depend on many factors and accordingly no specific reasons can be attributed for increase or decrease of inflows on year-to-year basis. He further said that there has been neither a regulatory uncertainty nor the lack of conducive environment to invest in the telecom sector which may be cited as a reason for the year-to-year decline in FDI. Stressed financial conditions, if any, cannot be held responsible for year-to-year decline.

Besides, he said the telecom sector is facing financial stress due to stiff competition and reduction in tariffs. The gross revenue of two private operators Airtel and Vodafone Idea has also reduced in financial years 2017-18 and 2018-19. Besides, he mentioned that according to an inter-ministerial group report submitted on August 31, 2017, the total debt of the telecom industry was Rs 7.88 lakh crore.

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