Jio, Airtel Gain Revenue Market Share as Vodafone Idea Lags: Research

Telecom majors Bharti and Jio further gained Revenue Market Share (RMS) while Vodafone Idea continued to lag on AGR basis, according to a report by EMkay Research.

VIL's AGR logged a healthy 5 percent QoQ growth, driven by growth in some of the key circles. However, RMS contracted further to 26.2 percent (-102bps qoq).

Clarity on ongoing AGR issue is key, along with other operational targets like 4G coverage and network integration. AGR for the industry (including NLD revenues) rose 9 percent QoQ and 13 percent YoY to Rs 363 bn in Q3FY20. This sequential rise was driven by healthy growth in the revenues of Bharti and Jio, sequential revenue growth by VIL after 13 quarters of losses, and a 21 percent qoq rise in BSNL's revenues.

VIL continued to lose market share with a 102bps contraction in RMS, the report said.

For Jio, AGR, including NLD, grew 10 percent QoQ to Rs 129 bn in Q3FY20. RMS expanded 40 bps QoQ and 554 bps YoY to 35.4 percent. Jio continues to enjoy a strong position in B and C circles and commands number one position in 17 circles, increased from 16 circles in the last quarter.

NLD revenues jumped 72 percent sequentially. Jio's faster-than-industry growth should continue to add RMS gains, although at a slower pace.

Bharti Airtel (including TTSL) Inclusive of NLD, AGR rose 10 percent/15 percent QoQ/YoY to Rs 117.5 bn. In addition, Compared with the previous quarters, revenue decline was recorded only in one circle (J&K) which can be largely attributable to the socio-political issues present there, the report said.

Vodafone-Idea (VIL), After 13 consecutive quarters of declines in AGR (inclusive of NLD), VIL finally posted a 5 percent sequential gain, albeit reporting a 7 percent YoY decline. AGR revenue, including NLD stood at Rs 95.2 bn, driven by growth in some of the key circles. RMS contracted 102 bps QoQ and 542 bps YoY to 26.2 percent.

Of the 22 telecom circles, 6 circles reported YoY revenue declines.