New Delhi: Telecom company Vodafone Idea has demanded a minimum rate of Rs 35 per GB to be increased for mobile data. This is about seven-eight times the current rate.
The company has also demanded a rate of six paise per minute for call services with a fixed monthly fee. Currently mobile data rates are four-five rupees per GB.
The company has said that these new rates should be introduced from April 1 to enable it to pay Adjusted Gross Income (AGR) arrears and make its business operational.
According to official sources, the company has demanded an 18-year deadline for the payment of AGR arrears. With this, the company has said that it should also get a three-year exemption from payment of interest and penalty.
It is noteworthy that as per the order of the Supreme Court, Vodafone Idea owes AGR of about Rs 53 thousand crore. The company has so far paid only Rs 3,500 crore to the Department of Telecommunications.