Telecom Sector Brace For 15-17% Tariff Jump Post-Election, Says Report

The telecom industry is expected to take a 15-17 percent tariff hike post general elections, according to an analyst report that termed the tariff increase in the sector as "imminent" with Airtel as the biggest beneficiary.

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The general election in the world's largest democracy is scheduled to be held in seven phases between 19 April and 1 June, and results will be declared on 4 June.

"We expect the industry to take a 15-17% tariff hike post the elections," a report by Antique Stock Broking said, as it described the tariff hike as imminent and Bharti as the biggest beneficiary.

The last hike of about 20 per cent was in December 2021, it said.

Offering a break-up of ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) for India's second largest telco, the brokerage note said Bharti's industryleading current ARPU of Rs 208 is set to go up to Rs 286 by end of FY27.

This will be driven by a tariff hike contributing Rs 55, upgradation of 2G customers to 4G contributing Rs 10, and customer upgradation to a higher data plan (both 4G and 5G) and moving to postpaid delivering Rs 14 gain.