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  • Vi’s future is shaky as govt gives financial relief but rejects the equity swap

    Vi’s future is shaky as govt gives financial relief but rejects the equity swap

    The government is preparing a relief package for Vodafone Idea (Vi) but is facing concerns over the company’s ability to stay afloat unless its pending spectrum usage charges are waived. There are no plans to convert any more of these dues into equity, as this would raise the government’s stake in Vi beyond the current 49 per cent, the report said.

    One idea is to let Vi clear its adjusted-gross-revenue (AGR) arrears over 20 years instead of the six-year window fixed after the Supreme Court ruling. “Extending the tenure of AGR payments from the scheduled six annual instalments of ₹18,064 crore to over 20. Despite this, the long-erm sustainability of the company remains in doubt,” an official said, as quoted by the report.

    The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) models show that if Vi must pay the full ₹18,064 crore by the end of FY26, it would run out of cash before the FY27 bill arrives. Even if each annual instalment is trimmed to ₹6,000 crore–₹8,500 crore through a 20-year schedule, officials fear the numbers still do not add up beyond FY29, the report said.

    Equity swap done
    Earlier this year, the government converted ₹36,950 crore of Vi’s spectrum arrears (linked to auctions held before 2021) into equity. The move made the state the single-largest shareholder. Ahead of that conversion, Vi had shared financial projections up to FY31, the deadline for settling AGR dues. Because the Centre granted a four-year moratorium on AGR and spectrum payments in FY22, all missed dues now bunch into six hefty instalments that begin with the current financial year and must be paid by 31 March each year.

    For the January–March quarter, Vi reported a net loss of ₹7,166 crore, wider than the ₹6,609 crore loss in the previous quarter. Auditor S R Batliboi & Associates flagged “the group’s ability to continue as a going concern” because Vi cannot generate or raise enough cash to clear debts when they are due.

    The telco’s board has already approved plans to seek a further ₹20,000 crore through equity or debt, yet lenders remain cautious. Meanwhile Vi’s market capitalisation — now about ₹72,300 crore — has slid as its share price drifted from nearly ₹10 in January to ₹6.70 last Friday. Business Standard

  • Telefonica of Spain sells the Ecuador unit for $380M

    Telefonica of Spain sells the Ecuador unit for $380M

    Spanish telecom company Telefonica said late it had reached an agreement with Luxembourg-based Millicom International to sell 100% of the shares of its Ecuador unit Otecel S.A. for 380 million dollars.

    The transaction aimed to further reduce the Spanish company’s exposure to Latin America, after it recently sold its businesses in Uruguay, Peru and Argentina to focus on Spain, Brazil, Britain and Germany.

    Telefonica had agreed a month ago to also sell its Uruguayan unit to Millicom, which operates telecom companies all over Latin America under the brand Tigo.

    The company had to book an accounting loss of 1.7 billion euros ($1.9 billion) during the last quarter from the disposals in Peru and Argentina. Reuters

  • Terrestrial mobile outshines costly satcom

    Terrestrial mobile outshines costly satcom

    The terrestrial system of communication or the mobile services will remain for at least next 10 years even though satellite communications (Satcom) like Starlink have come in , which will be expensive as of now.

    When it comes to tariff rates right now Starlink has to look for affordable rates for the Indian market because unlike other markets, India is quite price sensitive and will not be able to afford it at current rates.

    Otherwise, the government will have to work out some subsidies to provide Satcom services to the remote areas, AK Bhatt, Director General, Indian Space Association (ISpA) said.

    “The bigger story is, will Satcom replace terrestrial communication as an alternative in the next 10 years? That is a big no because there are two developments taking place in parallel – one is, direct-to-device is becoming more closer to the users because users want ubiquitous communication so all companies are developing that…Secondly, for any Satcom player to become competitive with the terrestrial players, it requires them to really change the model of business,” he said.

    Bhatt’s comments came after reports of Starlink, which recently received the initial licence from the Indian government for its operations, indicates an initial upfront payment of around ₹30,000 for the hardware and a monthly fee of around ₹1,000 for unlimited data. For corporates or business houses, the internet plans could be much more expensive than these rates.

    “Nobody will buy (at such rates), not even a so called high net worth individual (HNI)…For India, why do you have to subsidise it, why you have to operate Satcom? That is to overcome the digital divide because the games are much more indirect. So, that will have to be done in some form by the government,” he noted.

    As of today, Starlink is not providing services in India, but at any cost if it has to capture the market, it will be ready to do it because Elon Musk, has a long term plan, Bhatt said.

    “Ultimately, it is numbers (users) which will offset it. But, despite that he (Musk) cannot replace the terrestrial market as of now,” he said adding that Satcom services are much more expensive because it is expensive to put these satellites in the sky and they need to be serviced or recycled every five years.

    On June 6, the Elon Musk-owned Starlink received the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which is a crucial permit to start commercial operations in India.

    The company will be granted spectrum for trials in the next few days.

    Starlink is the third operator to get the GMPCS licence, after Bharti (Airtel)-backed Eutelsat Oneweb and Mukesh Ambani-owned Jio Satellite Communication. All three of them will be competing in this new space of communication in India. The fourth player, Amazon’s Kuiper is still awaiting approvals from the DoT. The Hindu Business Line

  • Gaza loses internet, Cable damaged

    Gaza loses internet, Cable damaged

    The Palestinian Authority said internet and fixed-line communication services were down in Gaza on Thursday following an attack on the territory’s last fibre optic cable it blamed on Israel.

    “All internet and fixed-line communication services in the Gaza Strip have been cut following the targeting of the last remaining main fibre optic line in Gaza,” the PA’s telecommunications ministry said in a statement, accusing Israel of attempting to cut Gaza off from the world.

    “The southern and central Gaza Strip have now joined Gaza City and the northern part of the Strip in experiencing complete isolation for the second consecutive day,” the ministry said in a statement.

    It added that its maintenance and repair teams had been unable to safely access the sites where damage occurred to the fibre optic cable.

    “The Israeli occupation continues to prevent technical teams from repairing the cables that were cut yesterday”, it said, adding that Israeli authorities had prevented repairs to other telecommunication lines in Gaza “for weeks and months”.

    The Palestinian Red Crescent said the communication lines were “directly targeted by occupation fores”.

    It said the internet outage was hindering its emergency services by impeding communication with first responder teams in the field.

    “The emergency operations room is also struggling to coordinate with other organisations to respond to humanitarian cases.”

    Maysa Monayer, spokeswoman for the Palestinian communication ministry, told AFP that “mobile calls are still available with very limited capacity” in Gaza for the time being.

    Now in its 21st month, the war in Gaza has caused massive damage to infrastructure across the Palestinian territory, including water mains, power lines and roads. AFP

  • Roku snaps six series win sessions

    Roku snaps six series win sessions

    Roku shares snapped six straight sessions of gains, as the stock closed over 4.6% down at $76.71 on Thursday.

    The San Jose, California-based streaming company gained over 9% in the preceding six sessions. The stock has risen more than 6% so far this year, compared to the over 2% rise in the broader S&P 500 Index.

    ROKU is up 12% over the past one month. The stock closed 0.7% higher on Wednesday at $80.48.

    Looking at Seeking Alpha’s Quant Rating, ROKU has a Hold rating with a score of 3.29 out of 5. The company received A+ for growth, while it got a C+ in the prospect of profitability.

    Turning to the Wall Street community, 15 analysts gave ROKU a Buy and above. 15 analysts have given the stock a Hold recommendation, and one recommended Strong Sell.

    Seeking Alpha analysts are also bullish and see the stock as a Buy.

    Roku, in May, beat Wall Street’s estimates with its first quarter results, with revenue increasing more than 15% during the quarter.

    A recent Seeking Alpha analysis by Stone Fox Capital pointed out that Roku continues reporting rapidly improving financials, but the biggest risk for the company is the shifting landscape in the streaming market, leading to another platform replacing Roku. MSN

  • FDA & NIH approach AI integration in healthcare differently

    FDA & NIH approach AI integration in healthcare differently

    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are reportedly taking different approaches to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. According to recent updates, the NIH is focusing on advancing AI research through funding initiatives aimed at improving diagnostics and treatment methods. Meanwhile, the FDA is prioritizing regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and efficacy as AI technologies become more prevalent in medical devices and drug development.

    This divergence highlights contrasting priorities between the two agencies. The NIH has allocated significant resources toward fostering innovation in AI applications for health research, including grants for projects that explore machine learning’s potential in identifying disease patterns. On the other hand, the FDA has concentrated its efforts on establishing guidelines for evaluating AI-driven tools, particularly those used in clinical settings. Officials have emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in algorithms to protect patient safety while maintaining public trust. These differing strategies reflect broader discussions within the healthcare sector about balancing innovation with regulation as AI continues to reshape medical practices. GeneOnline

  • In a Series D funding round, SDP Japan gets USD 31M

    In a Series D funding round, SDP Japan gets USD 31M

    SDP Japan, Inc., announced today that the Company has successfully raised approximately JPY 4.5 billion (equivalent to USD 31 million) through a Series D equity financing round, alongside secondary transaction, debt financing and asset-based funding. The equity round was led by Japan Post Investment and included participation from seven institutional investors.

    Background and Future Outlook
    Japan’s super-aging society continues to fuel steady growth in the healthcare sector, particularly in the fields of orthopedics and cardiovascular — two core areas of focus for SDP Japan. Surgical procedures in these specialties are increasing at 5–8% per annum, with demand projected to grow through 2050, according to research by Yano Research Institute.

    Despite growing need, the surgical care sector faces systemic challenges: surgeons often lack access to adequate infrastructure and support, while patients continue to struggle with finding reliable specialists — often by chance — highlighting persistent disparities in access to information and care.

    SDP Japan is redefining the surgical care model by building integrated platforms where physicians can focus purely on their expertise, and patients are guided seamlessly toward optimal treatments. With a unique position at the intersection of patient marketing, facility production, and healthcare operations management, the Company has expanded the footprint of surgery-focused medical institutions — primarily in urban areas — and is now poised to scale its next-generation model nationwide.

    This funding round will further strengthen SDP Japan’s growth platform and enable the rollout of advanced surgical care models to underserved regions. The Company is committed to rebuilding medical infrastructure in regional cities through close collaboration with stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem, aiming to establish a sustainable and equitable healthcare system.

    With the agility and execution power of a startup, SDP Japan aspires to be a transformative force in the Japanese healthcare industry.
    TheNewsBit Bureau

  • Gaps appear in diagnosis & testing amid the COVID go up

    Gaps appear in diagnosis & testing amid the COVID go up

    India is seeing an uptick in Covid-19 infections, reaching over 7,000 cases. But in contrast to earlier waves, there seems to be gaps in diagnosis and testing.

    Given the current season of rampant viral infections and many individuals showing symptoms, RT-PCR tests are neither being prescribed widely nor being voluntarily taken.

    “Most of the Covid-19 testing we’re seeing today is happening within hospitals, where viral panel testing is mandatory before procedures or in cases of severe symptoms. Neither clinicians nor patients are approaching it with the same urgency anymore,” said Dr. Vibhu Kawatra, a Delhi-based pulmonologist and allergy specialist.

    RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription–Polymerase Chain Reaction), which remains the gold standard for detecting Covid-19, works by identifying the virus’s genetic material in nasal or throat samples.

    However, Dr. Kawatra pointed out, “Only a doctor can prescribe an RT-PCR test, and unless the symptoms are severe or hospitalisation is required, the test is often skipped.”

    Even when testing is sought, accessibility and affordability are serious barriers.

    In the private sector, RT-PCR test prices vary drastically depending on the diagnostic lab. Dr. Lal PathLabs charges Rs 5,000 for a home collection of an RT-PCR test combined with a full fever panel. Meanwhile, Max Healthcare offers just an RT-PCR test at Rs 500. At Dr. Dangs Lab, a home visit costs Rs 700. Similar price ranges are being seen across neighbourhood clinics as well.

    This wide pricing disparity reflects the fragmented nature of the diagnostic sector, proving to be unregulated.

    But despite this inconsistent pricing model, there seems to be reduced testing rates, coupled with the closure of many free government testing centres.

    A recent visit to Lok Nayak Hospital in New Delhi revealed that the Covid testing window had been shut down. Many other government-run facilities have scaled back or completely discontinued RT-PCR testing, further limiting testing options for the general public.

    Rising cases highlight the need for routine testing to monitor its spread.

    “The patients who have died not just had Covid-19 but also had underlying health conditions. It is not always the virus alone, but the comorbidities that tip the scale,” said Dr. Sudeep Khanna, gastroenterologist and liver specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.

    Delay in Virus Genomic Data
    Surveillance at the national level is also facing delays.

    The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), the official body monitoring Covid-19 variants in India, has been slow in releasing updated epidemiological data.

    Only limited information has been shared so far for newer variants like LF.1, NB.1.8.1, and XFG, making it difficult to gauge the evolving nature of the virus.

    Public health experts stress the need for proactive surveillance, affordable and accessible testing, and better data transparency.

    Vaccines Stockpile
    Government sources told India Today that there are enough Covid-19 vaccines in storage and ready to use. “We are fully prepared for any situation. We have enough stockpile to meet the requirements of our citizens. Moreover, if needed, we can even supply vaccines to other countries,” the sources said.

    Nearly 1 billion people in India have taken at least one dose of either Covishield or Covaxin.

    Covishield, manufactured and distributed by the Serum Institute of India under a licence from AstraZeneca, stopped being produced in December 2021 because fewer people were taking it.

    Similarly, Covaxin, India’s first home-grown Covid-19 vaccine made by Bharat Biotech with ICMR-NIV, also stopped production in early 2022.

    Despite the halt in manufacturing, officials say that vaccine availability is not a concern.

    Doctors believe the current rise in cases may be due to seasonal changes in respiratory infections though global health experts say the protection from past infections and vaccines may be wearing off, which could be causing new spikes in some areas.

    While general information about Covid-19 continues to be available, there seems to be hindrances in the timely response to the infection. India Today

  • To begin services in India, Starlink gets a crucial license

    To begin services in India, Starlink gets a crucial license

    Elon Musk’s Starlink has received a licence to launch commercial operations in India from the telecoms ministry, two sources told Reuters on Friday, clearing a major hurdle for the satellite provider that has long wanted to enter the South Asian country.

    The approval is good news for Musk, whose public spat with President Donald Trump threatens $22 billion of SpaceX’s contracts and space programmes with the U.S. government.

    Starlink is the third company to get a licence from India’s Department of Telecommunications, which has approved similar applications by Eutelsat’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio to provide services in the country.

    Starlink and the Department of Telecommunications did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    The sources declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter.

    Musk met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit in February to the United States, where the two discussed Starlink’s launch plans and India’s concerns over meeting certain security conditions.

    Starlink has been waiting since 2022 for licences to operate commercially in India, and although it has cleared a major hurdle, it is a long way from launching commercial services.

    It still needs a separate licence from India’s space regulator, which Starlink is close to securing, said a third source with direct knowledge of the process without giving details.

    Starlink will then need to secure spectrum from the government, set up ground infrastructure and also demonstrate, through testing and trials, that it meets the security rules it has signed up for, one of the two sources said.

    “This will take a couple of months at least and will be a rigorous process,” said the person, adding that it can only begin selling its equipment and services to customers once it gets an all clear from Indian security officials.

    Indian telecom providers Jio and Bharti Airtel, in a surprise move in March, announced a partnership with Musk to stock Starlink equipment in their retail stores, but they will still compete on offering broadband services.

    Musk and billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Jio clashed for months over how India should grant spectrum for satellite services. India’s government sided with Musk that spectrum should be assigned and not auctioned.

    India’s telecom regulator in May proposed satellite service providers pay 4% of their annual revenue to the government for offering services, which domestic players have said is unjustifiably low and will hurt their businesses. Reuters

  • In houses, TRAI will handle poor Wi-Fi signals and dropped calls

    In houses, TRAI will handle poor Wi-Fi signals and dropped calls

    In today’s world, having a stable phone and internet connection is one of the first priorities. This is especially true for inside your home, where you need a stable connection to get on with your daily life. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is working on a solution to provide better connectivity inside your home.

    Speaking to PTI, TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti said that the regulator is taking an initiative around rating of properties on digital connectivity.

    “Today when you or anyone buys or rents a flat or office premises, and the moment you occupy it, the first problem that you may encounter is connectivity. You buy an expensive flat, or rent an expensive flat, when you move in, you find that your mobile is not working or you don’t have internet connectivity in all the rooms,” he said.

    He said that house owners or tenants may not get a satisfactory connectivity even after struggling for months.

    “In today’s world, when your entire social, professional, economic life needs digital connectivity, this becomes a serious constraint, and the person starts looking for solution – they struggle for days, sometimes weeks, or sometimes even longer, and at time they don’t even get good, satisfactory solution,” Lahoti was quoted as saying by PTI.

    TRAI’s initiative to rate connectivity inside your home
    The TRAI chairman said that connectivity issues can be solved if the builder provides engineered solutions inside the buildings.

    “This can be solved by providing engineered solutions inside the buildings. It is important that property developers now start working on these lines.”

    The TRAI in October last year came up with the “Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024” to provide better connectivity inside homes.

    Last month, TRAI released the draft manual for assessment of rating of properties for digital connectivity under these regulations.

    “In order to nudge the property developers to provide good digital connectivity inside building premises, and to keep a prospective buyer or tenant informed about the (connectivity) quality that he or she is going to get, we have come out with this regulation,” Lahoti said.

    “We have already issued the regulation for the rating framework,” he added.

    Providing updates of the new system, the TRAI chairman said, “We have also initiated the process of empanelling agencies that can do the rating (as a digital connectivity rating agency). The calling of the application is already underway.”

    He added that the TRAI has received applications from five entities expressing interest in being empanelled as digital connectivity rating agencies (DCRAs) who will evaluate properties according to the regulator’s prescribed rules and norms.

    “We have received applications from five agencies in this regard, showing interest in getting empanelled. We have also issued a draft manual on the rating system so that there is a uniform, standard, transparent process for the rating, which is known across all the rating agencies and property managers who are seeking the rating,” he said.

    “It is for any property manager to approach a rating agency and get the rating,” Lahoti noted.

    Digital connectivity has also become crucial, especially for 5G and, in future, the 6G networks, which use high frequency bands for delivering ultra hi-speed data, but get attenuated due to walls and building materials. LiveMint