Telecom

Bharti Airtel Ltd. recorded a powerful performance in the second quarter of FY26, surpassing market expectations with sharp growth in both profit and revenue. The telecom giant’s consolidated net profit surged 89% year-on-year to Rs. 6,792 crore, while revenue climbed 26% to Rs. 52,145 crore, driven by higher data consumption, improved average revenue per user (ARPU), and steady growth in its African operations.

Bharti Hexacom Ltd., a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, reported a robust 66% year-on-year rise in net profit for the quarter ended September 2025, reflecting the company’s strong operational performance and sustained subscriber expansion. The telecom operator posted a profit of Rs. 281 crore, driven by rising average revenue per user (ARPU), efficient cost management, and steady data consumption growth. Revenue also increased 8% year-on-year to Rs. 1,850 crore, highlighting improved traction in its key markets of Rajasthan and the Northeast.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has spotlighted the remarkable transformation of India Post, emphasizing its evolution from a traditional mail service into a modern, technology-driven institution at the heart of India’s financial and digital inclusion. Speaking at a recent event, Scindia noted that India Post’s extensive network, digital infrastructure, and financial services have become vital components of the government’s vision for a connected, inclusive economy.

India has initiated a pilot project for the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) system, an advanced telecom feature that will display the caller’s verified name on recipients’ phone screens. The move, led by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), aims to curb spam calls, fraud, and misuse of mobile networks by enhancing caller transparency. The pilot, conducted with major telecom operators, will assess the system’s technical feasibility and data protection protocols before a nationwide rollout by 2026.

Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture Starlink is reaffirming its commitment to India with a renewed focus on delivering a secure, compliant, and high-quality user experience. The company aims to integrate seamlessly with India’s regulatory framework while expanding broadband access across underserved and remote regions. As part of its long-term strategy, Starlink is emphasizing local partnerships, adherence to data protection norms, and alignment with India’s digital infrastructure goals.

Airtel Business, the enterprise arm of Bharti Airtel, has won a significant contract with Indian Railways to provide advanced communication and security solutions across its extensive network. The agreement underscores the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure for public transportation safety and operational efficiency. Under the contract, Airtel Business will deploy state-of-the-art network solutions, cybersecurity systems, and real-time monitoring capabilities, enhancing passenger safety and service reliability.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has extended the deadline for testing broadband equipment, providing manufacturers and service providers additional time to comply with technical and regulatory standards. The move aims to ensure robust network security, quality, and interoperability, reflecting the government’s focus on maintaining high standards in India’s rapidly expanding digital infrastructure. Analysts view the extension as a pragmatic decision, allowing stakeholders to align with compliance requirements without disrupting service rollout timelines.

In a significant development within India’s banking sector, Bank of India (BoI) has officially categorized Reliance Communications Ltd. (RCom) and its chairman Anil Ambani as “fraud” accounts. The decision follows years of financial turmoil surrounding the telecom operator, once a major player in India’s mobile services industry. By taking this step, BoI joins other lenders that have intensified scrutiny over high-profile defaults.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a case against Anil Ambani and his telecom firm, Reliance Communications (RCom), in connection with a massive bank fraud. The charges stem from allegations of misrepresentation, diversion of funds, and default on loans taken from a consortium of Indian banks. Once a telecom giant, RCom has been struggling with insolvency and mounting debt, and this probe adds another layer of complexity to its long-running financial troubles.

Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), once a cornerstone of India’s public-sector telecom services, has defaulted on a scheduled bond repayment, underscoring the company’s persistent financial distress. The default highlights the severe liquidity crunch and operational challenges faced by the state-run enterprise, even as the government continues to explore restructuring and revival measures.