Vodafone says it remains committed to India

Amid uncertainty over spectrum, Vodafone India said the company remains committed to the country and has not changed its investment plans.
"We are still investing in order of close to USD 1 billion year after year. We have not changed our investment plans. We are very committed to the country and (will) keep investing," Vodafone India MD & CEO Marten Pieters said here today when asked about investment plans for FY'14.
He, however, hinted that investments in India cannot continue if the Vodafone Group did not get returns from its investments.
Vodafone Group has invested Rs 81,000 crore in acquisitions and another Rs 55,000 crore of capex in the past six years, but the parent did not get adequate returns, Pieters said. "Is this fair?" he asked.

On the 2G spectrum issue, Pieters said, "We are ready to pay market related price." He said the price for the 900MHz should be benchmarked to 1800MHz for valuation.
On auction, Pieters said, "We favour auction of unused spectrum, but not for the spectrum which is already in use for existing operations."

Asked what solutions the company was expecting, Pieters said, "We are not unwilling to talk with the government."
He said the government should not differentiate between 800MHz (CDMA)and 900MHz spectrum pricing and should offer a level playing ground.
Pieters also ruled out the possibility of Vodafone India IPO unless uncertainties for the company ended.

"We all need a more favourable environment," he said.
Reacting to court observations on sharing of 3G spectrum, he said: "We think we are entitled to this roaming pact, though the government clearly thinks that we are not. The matter is in court. So, lets see how it unfolds."
Vodafone said it is not in favour of rolling out 4G services in India soon. "We took a position and it's too early for 4G. 4G is a natural transition for 3G. It also depends on the penetration of smart phones and spectrum allocation," Pieters said.