New Delhi, Dec 11: More than one-fifth of Vodafone Idea’s (Vi) 197.2 million reported users are inactive, a new study has found, raising fresh questions about the telecom operator’s real subscriber strength. According to the report, only 154.7 million users are active, with the company’s actual usage metrics — including voice minutes and data consumption — significantly trailing industry leaders Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel.
While Vi’s reported Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) stands at ₹167, the figure jumps to ₹209 when calculated solely on active users. Analysts say this brings Vi closer to its competitors but also highlights how inactive SIMs can distort revenue indicators.
The study points to substantial gaps in user engagement. Vi’s subscribers use an average of 585 voice minutes per month, nearly 30% lower than active user peers, while its monthly data usage averages 24 GB — below Airtel’s 27.6 GB and marginally lower than Jio’s 24.6 GB. This comparatively weaker engagement, analysts note, continues to weigh on Vi’s revenue growth even as the company invests in network upgrades.
Though Vi has recently managed to slow down subscriber losses, the findings suggest that boosting active user participation will be essential for any meaningful turnaround in the company’s financial performance.
