Debt-ridden telecom operator Vodafone Idea on Thursday reported widening of consolidated loss to Rs 7,595.5 crore in the second quarter ended September.
The company had posted a loss of Rs 7,132.3 crore in the same period a year ago.
The service revenue of Vodafone Idea Ltd (VIL), however, increased 12.8 per cent to Rs 10,614.6 crore in the second quarter of the current fiscal. In the year-ago period, the same stood at Rs 9,406.4 crore.
Average revenue per user (ARPU), a key metric of the company's growth, increased 19.5 per cent to Rs 131 on a year-on-year basis.
"We are pleased to report fifth consecutive quarter of revenue growth and 4G subscriber addition. Such performance is primarily driven by the continued increase in 4G subscriber base on the back of superior data and voice experience offered by Vi GIGAnet," VIL CEO Akshaya Moondra said.
The telecom operator's subscriber base declined to 23.44 crore in the latest September quarter compared to 24 crore in the previous quarter.
However, the 4G subscriber base grew 15 lakh to 12 crore.
VIL's total gross debt, excluding lease liabilities and including interest accrued but not due, stood at Rs 2,20,320 crore as of September 30.
The debt includes deferred spectrum payment obligations of Rs 1,36,650 crore. The amount includes includes Rs 17,260 crore towards spectrum acquired in recent the auction and adjusted gross revenue liability of Rs 68,590 crore that are to be paid to the government.
Debt from banks and financial institutions stood at of Rs 15,080 crore. PTI PRS RAM
