thenewsbit.com

Blog

  • DeepSeek sent user info and prompts without consent, per South Korea

    DeepSeek sent user info and prompts without consent, per South Korea

    South Korea’s data protection authority has concluded that Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek collected personal information from local users and transferred it overseas without their permission.

    The authority, the Personal Information Protection Commission, released its written findings on Thursday in connection with a privacy and security review of DeepSeek.

    It follows DeepSeek’s removal of its chatbot application from South Korean app stores in February at the recommendation of PICP. The agency said DeepSeek had committed to cooperate on its concerns.

    During DeepSeek’s presence in South Korea, it transferred user data to several firms in China and the U.S. without obtaining the necessary consent from users or disclosing the practice, the PIPC said.

    The agency highlighted a particular case in which DeepSeek transferred information from user-written AI prompts, as well as device, network, and app information, to a Chinese cloud service platform named Beijing Volcano Engine Technology Co.

    While the PIPC identified Beijing Volcano Engine Technology Co. as “an affiliate” of TikTok-owner ByteDance, the information privacy watchdog noted in a statement that the cloud platform “is a separate legal entity and has no relation to ByteDance,” according to a Google translation.

    According to PIPC, DeepSeek said it used Beijing Volcano Engine Technology’s services to improve the security and user experience of its app, but later blocked the transfer of AI prompt information from April 10.

    DeepSeek and ByteDance did not immediately respond to inquiries from CNBC.

    The Hangzhou-based AI startup took the world by storm in January when it unveiled its R1 reasoning model, rivaling the performance of Western competitors despite the company’s claims that it was trained for relatively low costs and with less advanced hardware.

    However, the app’s rising popularity quickly triggered national security and data concerns outside China due to Beijing’s requirement for domestic firms to share data with the PRC. Cybersecurity experts have also flagged data vulnerabilities in the app and voiced concerns about the company’s privacy policy.

    PIPC on Thursday said it had issued a corrective recommendation to DeepSeek, which includes requests to immediately destroy AI prompt information transferred to the Chinese company in question and to set up legal protocols for transferring personal information overseas.

    When the data protection authority announced the removal of DeepSeek from local app stores, it signaled that the app would become available again once the company implemented the necessary updates to comply with local data protection policy.

    That investigation followed reports that some South Korean government agencies had banned employees from using DeepSeek on work devices. Other global government departments, including in Taiwan, Australia, and the U.S., have reportedly instituted similar bans. CNBC

  • Due to security concerns, US legislators target 3 Chinese telcos

    Due to security concerns, US legislators target 3 Chinese telcos

    US lawmakers have put the spotlight on three Chinese telecom giants amid claims their platforms have enabled cyber intrusions, data theft, and paths to sabotage of US infrastructure.

    The leaders of a US congressional committee moved on Wednesday to force China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom to cooperate with an investigation into their alleged support for the Chinese military and government.

    Reuters reported that letters sent this week show the House of Representatives’ select committee on China used its seldom exercised subpoena powers in an effort to compel the three firms to answer questions on whether they could exploit access to American data through their US cloud and internet businesses.

    In a bipartisan effort, Democratic and Republican lawmakers voiced concern over the Chinese telecoms’ US operations following high-profile Chinese-led cyberattacks, including Volt Typhoon, which the FBI said has allowed China to gain access to American telecommunications, energy, water and other critical infrastructure.

    Beijing has denied responsibility for those attacks.

    Last month the committee’s Republican chair John Moolenaar and its top Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi sought responses from the companies to questions after a 2024 Reuters report that they were under US Commerce Department investigation.

    The committee said the companies had ignored that request.

    Firms providing cloud, internet routing services
    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) denied China Mobile’s application to provide US telecommunications service in 2019 and revoked China Telecom and China Unicom’s authorizations in 2021 and 2022.

    But the companies still have a small presence in the US, for example, providing cloud services and routing wholesale US internet traffic.

    US regulators and lawmakers fear that the companies could access personal information and intellectual property stored in their clouds and provide it to the Chinese government or prevent Americans from gaining access.

    In three similar letters dated April 23 notifying the companies of the subpoenas, Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi said the select committee had received information indicating the companies “may continue to maintain network Points of Presence, data centre access, and cloud-related offerings in the United States, potentially through subsidiaries or affiliates.”

    They called for the companies’ full cooperation by May 7.

    The companies did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. China’s embassy in Washington also did not respond immediately, but it has previously said the US sought to suppress Chinese companies under “false pretexts.”

    Running equipment, software, cloud systems
    A committee spokesperson said despite the FCC ban on all three companies operating licensed telecom infrastructure in the US, they have continued to run equipment, software, and cloud-based systems in the country that do not require licences and thus avoid FCC oversight.

    “The committee has received third-party private sector reporting and intelligence indicating these platforms have enabled cyber intrusions, data theft, and potential sabotage of US infrastructure,” the spokesperson said, without providing further details.

    Congress could move to find the companies in contempt if they fail to respond.

    The move would be no surprise, given revelations in December that US telecom systems were so badly compromised by Chinese hackers that senior government officials were told to ditch regular phone calls and text messages.

    The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued that warning that senior government officials should only use end-to-end encrypted communications in the wake of a hacking incident described as the most widespread ever by Chinese cyber spies.

    Concern over US communications is high partly because of bilateral tensions over the trade war, plus revelations that new Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly failed to adhere to secure communication protocols. Asia Financial

  • Growth in T-Mobile cellphone users fell short of forecast

    Growth in T-Mobile cellphone users fell short of forecast

    T-Mobile added fewer wireless subscribers than Wall Street expected in the first quarter as rivals dialed up promotions in a saturating US telecom market, leading to a more than 5 per cent drop in the telecom company’s shares after hours.

    The report, the last among major US telecom carriers this earnings season, underscored growing competition in a market where operators are leaning on price locks and bundled offers to woo customers as US tariffs cloud the economic outlook.

    Bellevue, Washington-based T-Mobile added 495,000 monthly bill-paying customers in the first three months of 2025, more than AT&T’s additions, while Verizon lost subscribers in the period after warning of a hit from “off-season promotions.”

    Still, the figure fell short of FactSet estimates of 506,400 additions.

    To shield its market share, T-Mobile’s prepaid unit earlier this week unveiled four new plans that provide a five-year price guarantee and monthly charges as low as $25 per line. The company also has plans to launch its satellite-to-cell service, powered by SpaceX’s Starlink, in July.

    The final pricing for the satellite service would be $10 a month — down from the $15 monthly price it had announced in February — and T-Mobile will maintain that price for at least a year, CEO Mike Sievert said on a call with analysts.

    On the tariffs front, Sievert said that T-Mobile is currently not seeing any material impact to its business.

    If the tariffs lead to price increases for mobile handsets, customers would have to bear it, which could lead to a slowdown in upgrade rates, he added.

    In the first quarter, T-Mobile’s revenue fell 4.5 per cent to $20.89 billion, but came above expectations of $20.62 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

    T-Mobile reaffirmed its annual wireless subscriber forecast, expecting it to be between 5.5 million and 6 million.

    It also increased its 2025 adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) forecast to range between $33.2 billion and $33.7 billion, from its prior projection of $33.1 billion to $33.6 billion.

    Analysts, on average, expect adjusted EBITDA of $33.4 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Reuters

  • AB PMJAY enrollment at key medical centers in Delhi

    AB PMJAY enrollment at key medical centers in Delhi

    The Delhi government is gearing up to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY) and is onboarding large corporate hospitals to help reach the Centre’s free health insurance scheme to more than 654,000 families.

    However, big corporate hospitals have raised concerns over delayed payments and low package rates.

    The National Health Authority, which is the implementing agency for the scheme is training state health authority officials and doctors on the scheme’s modalities.

    The Delhi government has allocated ₹2,144 crore for PMJAY, which is the world’s largest health assurance scheme, benefiting the poor as well as over-70s.

    “NHA informed that it has started handholding Delhi government to implement the scheme. It has started the training of the State Health Authority, sensitizing hospitals, officials etc to onboard the scheme,” said an official familiar with the matter requesting anonymity.

    The official said the Delhi government is aware of the concerns raised by private hospitals and discussions are on.

    Dr Girdhar Gyani, Director General, Association of Healthcare Providers said, “Delhi government had earlier had its own scheme. The government had earlier issued an order that all those empaneled with the Delhi government schemes are deemed to be empaneled unless they certify that they are not interested. Those bigger hospitals who are not part of the Delhi government scheme had a meeting a few days back to discuss the key concerns regarding the scheme implementation.”

    “The main issue is that hospitals are concerned about timely release of funds within one month. We have to understand that treatment package rates are low and if cash flow is not good, it would be difficult for them. Private hospitals are planning to meet the Delhi government to discuss the matter,” he said.

    Major private hospital chains are not fully participating in the Ayushman Bharat scheme, primarily due to the inadequate pricing structure. The scheme’s reimbursements fail to cover the genuine costs incurred by large hospitals, and these rates have not been adjusted for inflation, said on the corporate hospitals requesting anonymity.

    Dr Narin Sehgal, Sehgal, Medical Director, Sehgal Neo Hospital and Secretary Delhi Chapter AHPI said the basic problem with PMJAY is payments to the hospitals are very low.

    “The smaller hospitals will be able to take the PMJAY willingly, but bigger corporate have been urging to modify the rates. PMJAY is very good scheme. But, hospitals like Max, Fortis and Apollo may consider the scheme if government consider their requests. We are in touch with the Delhi government to discuss PMJAY implementation in the city,” Dr Sehgal.

    Scheme implementation
    Notably, Delhi has become the 35th state/UT to implement the PMJAY scheme. It is estimated that around three million poor and another 600,000 senior citizens will be the eligible beneficiaries, making a total about 3.6 million people in Delhi.

    A senior Delhi government official aware of the matter said there is no shortage of funds and the government is in continuous talks with the bigger hospitals to onboard them on PMJAY.

    “We have held several meetings with the big corporate hospitals to discuss the scheme implementation. We are listening to their concerns and we are hopeful that we will join us,” the official said.

    “At Apollo, we believe that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege. We recognise the transformative potential of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana PM-JAY that aligns with the Government of India’s vision of healthcare for all. We will be able to offer advanced clinical expertise including procedures such as organ transplants, complex cardiac surgeries, and specialized oncology care for children under the scheme. Our focus will continue to maintain the highest standards of clinical excellence while ensuring sustainable, impactful delivery of advanced healthcare to everyone,” said an Apollo Hospital spokesperson.

    A representative of Apollo Hospital said they are awaiting directions from the Delhi government.

    Queries sent to the Delhi government, health ministry, Max Hospital and Fortis spokesperson remained unanswered at press time. LiveMint

  • To erase medical debt, the Vermont House uses a bill

    To erase medical debt, the Vermont House uses a bill

    Thousands of Vermonters could see their medical debt wiped away under a bill headed to the governor’s desk.

    The legislation, S. 27, would use $1 million in funds appropriated to the Treasurer’s Office to erase $100 million in Vermonters’ medical debt. It would also prohibit credit reporting agencies from taking into account Vermonters’ medical debt when determining their credit scores.

    “With medical debt, it often happens to you when you have no control,” Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak, who has spearheaded the proposal, told lawmakers this month. “You don’t have the ability to say, ‘I’m going to delay this care or delay this treatment.’ You don’t have the ability to shop around. You’re being taken by ambulance to a hospital and the procedure’s happening to you.”

    The bill leverages the fact that medical debt can be purchased for pennies on the dollar — roughly one penny per dollar of debt, in fact. Thus, a $1 million investment could erase about $100 million of debt.

    Pieciak estimated that the legislation could eliminate medical debt for about 60,000 Vermonters.

    The $1 million investment would come out of $20 million in general funds appropriated to the Treasurer’s Office to pay off bonds before their maturation date. According to the Joint Fiscal Office, if that $1 million was used for its initial purpose, the state could have saved about $50,000 in interest.

    The legislation has received unanimous support from both chambers of Vermont’s General Assembly. The bill passed the Senate last month, and House lawmakers voted it out Tuesday.

    The bill, now poised to become law, would place Vermont among roughly 20 states and cities that have used public funds to eliminate residents’ medical debts.

    To wipe away Vermonters’ health care debts, the bill directs the state to partner with a nonprofit, Undue Medical Debt, which would work with health care providers to purchase the debt.

    It’s not clear whether all hospitals or health care providers would sign up to participate. But Devon Green, a lobbyist for the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, said earlier this year that her organization supports the bill “wholeheartedly.”

    Vermont’s program would prioritize people whose debts are older than 18 months old. The debts must be considered uncollectible by health care providers, and the individuals must fulfill one of the following criteria: Either their debt must be 5% of a household’s annual income, or the individuals or households have income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level — currently, $60,240 for a single person or $124,800 for a family of four.

    Residents would not need to apply to have their debt canceled and would be enrolled automatically and notified if their debt is erased.

    Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, told lawmakers this month that the bill was an important step forward in helping Vermonters find relief from health care debt.

    “We think whenever anybody brings concerns about medical debt and advances the conversation about medical debt in the public, that’s a good thing,” Fisher said. “So we appreciate the Treasurer’s Office for bringing this forward.” VTDigger

  • USD 127B will be the global market for portable medical devices

    USD 127B will be the global market for portable medical devices

    The global market for portable medical devices is anticipated to record a CAGR of 9.8% during the 2024-2030 analysis period and stand at a projected USD 127 billion by 2030 from an estimated USD 72.5 billion in 2024.

    This global report on Portable Medical Devices analyzes the market based on product, application, and end-users. In addition to providing profiles of major companies operating in this space, the latest corporate and industrial developments have been covered to offer a clear panorama of how and where the market is progressing.

    Many of these devices can connect with smartphones and other mobile gadgets, enhancing remote patient monitoring functions. This integration supports proactive health management and contributes to reducing the need for hospitalizations and associated healthcare expenses. The importance of portable medical devices is especially evident during global health emergencies, as they relieve pressure on healthcare systems by enabling efficient remote monitoring and care.

    The portable medical devices market is primarily driven by the growing incidence of chronic illnesses that require effective management solutions. These conditions require continuous monitoring and treatment, leading to a strong demand for portable devices that enable individuals to track and manage their health in real-time from home. The increasing adoption of advanced wearable devices also significantly boosts market growth. These devices, such as smartwatches and health monitors, offer improved data accuracy and enhance patient engagement, making health monitoring easier and more convenient.

    Moreover, the rising emphasis on home healthcare solutions, fueled by an aging population and demographic shifts, fosters the need for portable devices that facilitate remote monitoring. Technological advancements, especially the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), have further improved the functionality and efficiency of these devices. Additionally, government initiatives promoting preventive healthcare and enhancing access to health monitoring solutions aid market expansion.

    Portable medical devices regional market analysis
    North America leads the global market for portable medical devices, capturing 40.4% market share in 2024 due to its advanced healthcare systems, high consumer demand, and an increasing occurrence of chronic illnesses. The increasing elderly population and the rise in telehealth usage, supportive regulatory and reimbursement frameworks further contribute to market expansion.

    In contrast, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness rapid growth with a CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period 2024-2030, driven by an increasing geriatric population, rising disposable incomes, and growing health awareness, especially in emerging countries such as China and India. The focus on local production and innovation in cost-effective portable medical devices boosts market dynamics in this region, positioning it as the fastest-growing segment worldwide.

    Portable medical devices market analysis by product
    The portable medical devices market is segmented into monitoring devices, diagnostic imaging devices, therapeutic devices, and smart wearable medical devices. Among these, the monitoring devices segment is the largest, holding an estimated 48.5% share in 2024. This dominance is driven by increased adoption, regulatory approvals, and technological advancements that enhance portability and compactness.

    An aging population and rising prevalence of chronic diseases, which increase the demand for continuous health monitoring, support this segment’s leading position. Conversely, the smart wearable medical devices segment is projected to record the fastest CAGR of 12.2% from 2024 to 2030, spurred by growing consumer interest in fitness and health-tracking solutions. Increasing health awareness, a focus on preventive care, and advanced, innovative devices that meet consumer demand are boosting this growth.

    Portable medical devices market analysis by application
    The market for portable medical devices is segmented into cardiology, gynecology, orthopedics, gastrointestinal, respiratory, urology, neurology, and other applications. The cardiology application is expected to hold the largest market share at 29.8% in 2024, fueled by technological advancements that improve the diagnosis and management of heart conditions.

    Medical devices like Holter monitors and ECG machines enable remote monitoring, particularly for elderly people needing ongoing heart health management. The increasing prevalence of obesity and health problems related to lifestyle further strengthens the need for continuous cardiac monitoring, as cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of illness and death.

    Conversely, the gynecology application is projected to experience significant growth with a CAGR of 11.4% during the analysis period 2024-2030, driven by the rising adoption of imaging technologies and portable monitoring solutions. The rising incidence of gynecological issues and a higher rate of births contribute to the increasing necessity for advanced portable devices in this field, boosting improved outcomes and lowering the rates of congenital abnormalities.

    Portable medical devices market analysis by end-user
    The portable medical devices market is segmented into hospitals and clinics, physicians’ offices, home care settings, and other end-users. The hospitals and clinics end-user segment led the market cornering with an estimated share of 45.7% in 2024, driven by the increased accessibility and flexibility of portable medical devices. These devices reduce issues such as crowded hospital environments and staffing shortages by streamlining workflows, facilitating point-of-care diagnostics, and supporting mobile monitoring, which aids in discharging patients sooner.

    Conversely, the homecare segment is anticipated to record the fastest CAGR of 11% during the forecast period as healthcare systems focus more on home-based care. Portable medical devices like glucometers and blood pressure monitors enable patients with chronic conditions to manage their health easily, resulting in better health outcomes and reduced regular hospital visits. Research and Markets

  • Ofcom ends criteria for TV platform branding under the Media Act of 2024

    Ofcom ends criteria for TV platform branding under the Media Act of 2024

    Ofcom has published its final Statement of Principles and Methods for designating television selection services under the Media Act 2024 on 23 April 2025. The statement, unchanged from the December 2024 consultation version, will guide Ofcom’s recommendations to the Secretary of State on which connected TV platforms should ensure prominence and availability of public service broadcasters’ content. The regulator received responses from major stakeholders including the British Broadcasting Corporation, ITV, and Sky, and plans to consult on its first designation recommendations in summer 2025. The new regime requires designated platforms to make public service broadcaster content easily accessible and prominent. LexisNexis

  • Highlights of the Day: OTT+internet bundles will be offered by DipTV Watcho & RailWire

    Highlights of the Day: OTT+internet bundles will be offered by DipTV Watcho & RailWire

    In a move set to redefine digital entertainment for regional markets, DishTV Watcho, the OTT aggregation platform, has announced a strategic partnership with RailWire, the internet broadband service from RailTel. This collaboration will roll out in West Bengal, bringing together high-speed internet and a curated bouquet of OTT entertainment apps in a single, seamless package. With plans to expand to other parts of the country in subsequent phases, the partnership signals the beginning of a broader shift toward integrated digital internet & entertainment solutions in India.

    The bundled offering is tailored specifically for West Bengal audiences, keeping regional preferences at the core. By bringing together Railwire’s trusted broadband connectivity with DishTV Watcho’s growing OTT library—including both regional and national favourites—users get a single-subscription solution that eliminates the hassle of managing multiple providers, apps, and payment cycles. The result is a more convenient, immersive, and affordable digital entertainment experience.

    Customers can select from three broadband-plus-OTT bundles designed to meet different household needs and budgets. The RW Bangla Entry Pack offers 25 Mbps speed with 1.5 TB of data, the RW Bangla Super Pack provides 50 Mbps with 2 TB, and the RW Bangla Premium Pack delivers 100 Mbps with 2.5 TB. All plans come bundled with access to 13+ popular OTT platforms, including Hoichoi, ShemarooMe, Sanskar, FanCode, Discovery+, Hungama, Watcho Exclusives, and more starting at just ₹349+taxes.

    Commenting on the partnership, Manoj Dobhal, CEO and Executive Director of Dish TV India Ltd., said, “At Dish TV and Watcho, we are committed to delivering innovations that add real value to our customers’ lives. This partnership with RailTel brings together two trusted brands to offer a hassle-free, all-in-one entertainment solution that is both affordable and locally relevant. We are excited to launch this in West Bengal and are confident it will resonate deeply with consumers seeking simplicity, reliability, and quality in their digital experience”.

    RailTel’s Director NPM Yashpal Singh Tomar added, “We are delighted to join hands with Watcho in bringing this bundled proposition to life. RailWire has always stood for dependable connectivity, and this tie-up allows us to elevate the digital journey of our users by offering them not just internet access, but a complete entertainment ecosystem. This initiative is aligned with our vision of bridging the digital divide and enriching lives, especially in emerging regional markets”.

    RailTel operates on a robust optic fiber backbone spanning over 62,000 Route kilometers along Railway track and 21000 Km citywide, connecting communities across India through a network of over 11,000 local partners. This collaboration marks another milestone in Watcho’s mission to extend its reach by aligning with infrastructure partners like RailTel to create accessible, future-ready content consumption models.

    By offering a unified digital solution with a strong regional focus, Watcho and RailWire are poised to transform how Indian audiences particularly those in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities experience home entertainment. Made in Media

  • The digital divide is widening even if US broadband speeds are rising

    The digital divide is widening even if US broadband speeds are rising

    Many U.S. states made sizable gains in their broadband infrastructure during 2024 and much of that growth was fueled by private equity financing, mergers and acquisitions, capex investments, and government funding.

    According to Ookla Speedtest Intelligence® data, the number of states in the U.S. delivering the minimum standard for fixed broadband speeds as designated by the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) of 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream is growing. In fact, in our latest U.S. State Broadband Report, we found that states with 60% or more of Speedtest users receiving 100/20 Mbps dramatically increased between the first half and the second half of 2024.

    However, that increase didn’t result in sweeping improvements to the digital divide. Instead, 32 states saw their gap between the percentage of urban users and rural users that receive the minimum required broadband speeds grow during this time period. Ookla uses the Census Bureau’s urban-rural classification to determine which users are urban vs. rural.

    New Jersey is No. 1
    Seven states now have 65% or more of Speedtest users experiencing the FCC’s minimum standard for broadband of 100/20 Mbps. New Jersey is No. 1 with 68.97% of Speedtest users experiencing the FCC’s minimum requirement followed closely by Connecticut with 68.35%. Delaware moved up from the No. 5 slot in the first half of the year to the No. 3 ranking in the second half of 2024.

    On the opposite end of the spectrum, Montana and Alaska have fewer than 40% of Speedtest users that receive the minimum broadband speeds of 100/20 Mbps so it’s no surprise that Montana and Alaska are also two of the least densely populated states in the country.

    Digital Divide Grows
    While the number of states with 60% or more of users experiencing 100/20 Mbps more than doubled from the first half of 2024 to the second half of 2024, it appears that much of that progress occurred in urban areas because the digital divide, which is the gap between urban and rural users in a state, became much more prominent in 32 states during that time period.

    Washington state leads the nation with the biggest digital divide in the second half of 2024 and it was also at the top of the list in the first half of the year. Oregon and Illinois are also top states with the biggest digital divide in the second half of the year.

    The lack of affordable broadband is known to exacerbate the digital divide and some of this increase in the digital divide is likely due to the demise of the Affordable Connectivity Plan (ACP), which provided discounted broadband services to more than 23 million low-income U.S. households. The FCC ended the ACP program on June 1, 2024, because of a lack of Congressional funding. Ookla

  • Jefferies wagers on Bharti Airtel

    Jefferies wagers on Bharti Airtel

    Jefferies picked Bharti Airtel as its top pick for the telecom sector, as it led the active subscribers base, gaining a market share of 30 basis points to 36.3%, which was better than its peers, Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio.

    Jefferies on Bharti Airtel: Gain in active subscribers key positive
    In January 2025, the overall industry’s active subscriber base jumped by 5 million month-on-month to 1,065 million. Out of this, Bharti Airtel gained 4.7 million active subscribers, which Jefferies believes to be a key positive. Meanwhile, Vodafone Idea’s active subscribers dropped by 0.7 million, and Jio’s share remained flat.

    Jefferies on Bharti Airtel: Reported subscribers increased
    The January 2025, Bharti Airtel’s reported subscriber base rose by 1.7 million, and Jio added 0.7 million subscribers. Meanwhile, Vodafone Idea lost 1.3 million subscribers. The sector’s reported subscriber base increased by 0.6 million in January 2025, post the 2 million jump in December 2024. The industry’s reported subscriber base increased for 2 straight months after 5 months of decline post the tariff hikes in July 2024.

    The sector’s MNP (Mobile Number Portability) requests remained elevated at 14 million in January 2025, which inched up sequentially, possibly as users continue to shift between operators post-tariff hike, said Jefferies. “We note that MNP requests have remained elevated, and higher churn usually drives up dealer commissions/SG&A expenses for telcos,” added Jefferies.

    An MNP (Mobile Number Portability) is a request by a subscriber to change their mobile service provider while keeping their existing phone number. This allows users to switch operators without the hassle of changing their number.

    Bharti Airtel stock performance
    The share price of Bharti Airtel has risen 2.75% in the last five trading days. The stock has given a return of more than 7% in the last one month and 9.5% in the past six months. Bharti Airtel’s share price has increased by almost 38% over the previous one year. Financial Express