Vodafone Idea is in talks with lenders to raise USD 2.9 billion in long-term loans to upgrade its network infrastructure and compete with other telecom giants.
State Bank of India is expected to lead the consortium of lenders for this funding, which will involve a mix of domestic and foreign loans with a tenor of around 10 years.
The company has been losing subscribers and is seeking capital to improve its network and market share, while earlier financing plans were delayed due to financial concerns and government dues.
Despite the government increasing its stake in Vodafone Idea to 48.99%, the company continues to face financial stress. The ongoing discussions are aimed at raising funds through a combination of equity and debt, with global banks expected to participate.