Voda, Airtel may go the Jio way, scout for tech giants looking for tie-ups

Telcos could explore equity tie-ups with tech majors

The Rs 43,600-crore deal between Reliance Jio and Facebook will have a positive impact on telecom rivals Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel — in terms of valuation, raising fresh funds, and equity tie-ups with tech giants — now that the worst is behind for the sector, say industry officials.
 

Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are considering multiple partnerships with Indian players to improve their own access to the local market, say telecom firms. These giants will scout for tie-ups in digital payments, retail stores, and telecom infrastructure companies.
 

“The Reliance-Facbook deal will encourage other telcos to seek similar tie-ups, given that