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' {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}} {{Infobox company | name = Vodafone India | logo = Vodafone logo1.png | type = [[Privately held company|Private]] | company_slogan = ''Power to you'' | company_vision = | industry = [[Telecommunication]]s | location = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]] | products = | services = [[Mobile telephony]]<br>[[Wireless broadband]] | revenue = | parent = [[Vodafone|Vodafone Group]] | homepage = {{URL|www.vodafone.in}} | intl = yes | members = 17.86 crore <ref name="myref2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/scitech/report-now-97-crore-indians-use-mobile-phones-2059266|title=Mobile subscriber base now all time high at 97 crore|accessdate=2015-02-08|publisher=dnaindia.com}}</ref> | members_year = 2014 }} '''Vodafone India Ltd.''' is the [[List of mobile network operators of India|second largest mobile network operator]] in [[India]] by subscriber base, after [[Bharti Airtel|Airtel]]. It is headquartered in [[Mumbai, Maharashtra]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vodafone.in/vodafone/Footer/pages/aboutus.aspx |title=Vodafone Essar Ltd: Vodafone India&nbsp;— Mobile Communications worldwide |publisher=Vodafone.in |date=2009-03-31 |accessdate=2009-05-01}}</ref> It has approximately 173 million customers as of September 2014. It offers both [[Prepaid mobile phone|prepaid]] and postpaid [[GSM]] [[cellular phone]] coverage throughout India with better presence in the metros. Vodafone India provides [[3G]] services on basis of 900&nbsp;MHz and 1800&nbsp;MHz digital GSM technology. Vodafone India launched [[3G]] services in the country in the January–March quarter of 2011 and plans to spend up to $500 million within two years on its 3G networks.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/telecom/Vodafone-to-launch-India-3G-services-in-Q1-2011/articleshow/6786557.cms | work=The Times Of India | title=News By Industry | date=21 October 2010 | deadurl=yes}} {{Dead link|date=April 2014|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> Vodafone added maximum subscribers in July 2014, with 13.6 lakh new users joining its network to take its base to 17.12 crore. Vodafone is the second largest player in telecom operator in India after Airtel, with a market share of 22.95%.{{citation needed|date Feb 2015||date=February 2015}} ==History== === Max Touch, Orange and Hutch (1992-2007) === {{Further|Orange (India)|Hutchison Telecommunications International}} [[File:Hutch India old logo.gif|thumb|Hutch logo until November 2005.]] [[File:Hutch India new logo.gif|thumb|Hutch logo from November 2005 until acquisition by Vodafone.]] Hutchison Max Telecom Ltd. (HMTL), a joint venture between [[Hutchison Whampoa]] and the [[Max Group]], was established on 21 February 1992.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corporatedir.com/company/hutchison-max-telecom-limited|title=Hutchison Max Telecom Limited information|publisher=Corporatedir.com|accessdate=24 December 2014}}</ref> The licence to operate in [[Mumbai]] (then Bombay) circle was awarded to Hutchison Max by the [[Department of Telecommunications]] (DoT) in November 1994.<ref name="BombayHC">{{Cite web|url = http://bombayhighcourt.nic.in/data/judgements/2010/OSWP130810.pdf|title = THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY - WRIT PETITION NO.1325 OF 2010|work=Bombay High Court|accessdate=19 November 2013}}</ref> The cellular service branded "Max Touch" was launched the same year.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/max-india-ltd/infocompanyhistory/companyid-13435.cms | work=The Times Of India | title=Max India Ltd}}</ref> Hutchison Max entered into the Delhi telecom circle in December 1999, the [[Kolkata]] circle in July 2000 and the [[Gujarat]] circle in September 2000. Licences for these circles had initially been awarded by the DoT in 1994, 1997 and 1995 respectively. Between 1992 and 2006, Hutchison acquired interests in all 23 mobile telecom circles of India.<ref name="BombayHC" /> Hutchison Max rebranded Max Touch as [[Orange S.A.|Orange]] from 14 February 2000.<ref name="OBS-H-25">{{cite web|url=http://www.icmrindia.org/casestudies/catalogue/Business%20Strategy1/BSTR002.htm|title=The Story of the Cellular Phone Brand Orange - Abstract | publisher =icmrindia.org | date = | accessdate = 19 November 2013}}</ref> France Telecom (now [[Orange S.A.]]) acquired the worldwide rights for the Orange brand from Vodafone in May 2000, and planned to enforce its ownership of the brand in India. They made an offer to purchase part of Hutchison's India operations, but Hutchison India declined to sell.<ref name=":0" /> Hutchison retained the rights over the Orange brand in India, but had to pay a royalty to France Telecom.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.icmrindia.org/casestudies/catalogue/Business%20Strategy1/Business%20Strategy%20Story%20of%20the%20Cellular%20Phone%20Brand%20Orange.htm#Orange%20is%20Squeezed|title=The Story of the Cellular Phone Brand Orange - Orange is Squeezed | publisher =icmrindia.org | date = | accessdate = 19 November 2013}}</ref> France Telecom left the Indian market in December 2004.<ref name="OBS-H-40">{{cite news |first = |last = |title = France Tele to lap up Orange in Oct |work = [[The Times of India]]|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2003-09-26/news/27529922_1_france-tele-orange-brand-orange-plc |publisher=Economic Times |page = |date = 26 September 2003 |accessdate=9 June 2012}}</ref><ref name="OBS-H-42">{{cite news |first = |last = |title = France Tele to transfer entire stake in BPL Mobile|work = The Times Of India|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/france-tele-to-transfer-entire-stake-in-bpl-mobile/articleshow/1845010780.cms |publisher= |page = |date = 2 December 2001 |accessdate=9 June 2012 |first1=James |last1=Mathew |first2=New |last2=Delhi}}</ref><ref name="OBS-H-39">{{cite news |first = |last = |title =France Telecom exits BPL, Essar buys 9.9% |work = |url=http://bsl.co.in/results/news/france-telecom-exits-bpl-essar-buys-99/194196/ |publisher= |page = |date = 4 December 2004 |accessdate=9 June 2012}}</ref> HMTL was renamed Hutchison Essar Limited (HEL) in August 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://courtnic.nic.in/supremecourt/temp/sc%202652910p.txt|format=TXT|title=Vodafone International Holdings B.V. : Appellant(s) versus Union of India & Anr. : Respondent(s)|publisher=Courtnic.nic.in|accessdate=24 December 2014}}</ref> In Delhi, Uttar Pradesh (East), Rajasthan and Haryana, [[Essar Group]] was the major partner. But later Hutch took the majority stake. By the time of Hutchison Telecom's Initial Public Offering in 2004, Hutchison Whampoa had acquired interests in six mobile telecommunications operators providing service in 13 of India's 23 licence areas and following the completion of the acquisition of BPL Mobile that number increased to 16. In 2006, it announced the acquisition of a company (Essar Spacetel&nbsp;— A subsidiary of Essar Group) that held licence applications for the seven remaining licence areas. Initially, the company grew its business in the largest wireless markets in India&nbsp;— in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. In these densely populated urban areas it was able to establish a robust network, well-known brand and large distribution network – all vital to long-term success in India. Then it also targeted business users and high-end post-paid customers which helped Hutchison Essar to consistently generate a higher [[Average Revenue Per User]] (ARPU) than its competitors. By adopting this focused growth plan, it was able to establish leading positions in India's largest markets providing the resources to expand its footprint nationwide. In February 2007, Hutchison Telecom announced that it had entered into a binding agreement with a subsidiary of Vodafone Group Plc to sell its 67% direct and indirect equity and loan interests in Hutchison Essar Limited for a total cash consideration (before costs, expenses and interests) of approximately $11.1 billion.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} [[Image:Cheeka1.jpg|thumb|right|A 'You and I' print advertisement of Hutch featuring [[Cheeka (dog)]]]] Hutch was often praised for its award winning advertisements which all follow a clean, minimalist look. A recurrent theme is that its message "Hi" stands out visibly though it uses only white letters on red background. Another successful ad campaign in 2003 featured a [[Cheeka (dog)|pug named Cheeka]] following a boy around in unlikely places, with the tagline, "Wherever you go, our network follows." The simple yet powerful advertisement campaigns won it many admirers. Ads featuring the pug were continued by Vodafone even after rebranding. The brand subsequently introduced [[ZooZoo]]s which gained even higher popularity than was created by the Pug. Vodafone's creative agency is O&M while Harit Nagpal was the Marketing Director during the various phases of its brand evolution.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} ===Vodafone purchases Essar's stake=== In July 2011, [[Vodafone Group]] bought the mobile phone business of its partner [[Essar]] for $5.46 billion. This meant Vodafone owns 74% of Essar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13996525|title=BBC News - Vodafone finalises India mobile subsidiary buyout|work=BBC News|accessdate=24 December 2014}}</ref> On 11 February 2007, Vodafone agreed to acquire the controlling interest of 67% held by [[Li Ka Shing]] Holdings in Hutch-Essar for US$11.1 billion, pipping [[Reliance Communications]], Hinduja Group, and Essar Group, which is the owner of the remaining 33%. The whole company was valued at [[USD]] 18.8 billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/7eaef850-b9e3-11db-89c8-0000779e2340.html |title=/ Companies / Telecoms&nbsp;— Investors welcome Vodafone deal |publisher=Ft.com |date= |accessdate=2009-05-01}}</ref> The transaction closed on 8 May 2007. In April 2014, India based [[Piramal Group]] sold its 11% Stake in Vodafone India to Prime Metals, an indirect subsidiary of [[Vodafone Group]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Piramal Group to sell Vodafone India stake for Rs. 8900 crore|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/04/piramal-group-to-sell-vodafone-india-stake-for-rs-8900-crore/|work=IANS|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|accessdate=10 April 2014}}</ref> === Vodafone-Hutchison tax case === Vodafone was embroiled in a $2.5 billion tax dispute with the Indian Income Tax Department over its purchase of Hutchison Essar Telecom services in April 2007. It was being alleged by the Indian Tax authorities that the transaction involved purchase of assets of an Indian Company, and therefore the transaction, or part thereof was liable to be taxed in India.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lamont |first=James |url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/19f3ed16-a2f1-11e0-a9a4-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1TaRdrI6x |title=Vodafone warns India tax bill to hit $5bn |publisher=FT.com |date=2011-06-30 |accessdate=2013-06-15}}</ref> Vodafone Group Plc. entered India in 2007 through a subsidiary based in the Netherlands, which acquired [[Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited|Hutchison Telecommunications International Ltd]]’s (HTIL) stake in Hutchison Essar Ltd (HEL)—the joint venture that held and operated telecom licences in India. This [[Cayman Islands]] transaction, along with several related agreements, gave Vodafone control over 67% of HEL and extinguished Hong Kong-based Hutchison’s rights of control in India, a deal that cost the world’s largest telco $11.2 billion at the time.<ref>[http://www.livemint.com/articles/2011/09/20231941/Deal-with-Hutch-was-8216art.html?atype=tp] {{dead link|date=December 2014}}</ref> In January 2012, the [[Indian Supreme Court]] passed the judgement in favour of Vodafone, saying that the Indian Income tax department had "no jurisdiction" to levy tax on overseas transaction between companies incorporated outside India. However, Indian government thinks otherwise. It believes that if an Indian company, Hutchison India Ltd., conducts a financial transaction, government should get its tax out of it. Therefore, in 2012, India changed its Income Tax Act retrospectively and made sure that any company, in similar circumstances, is not able to avoid tax by operating out of tax-havens like Cayman Islands or Lichtenstein. In May 2012, Indian authorities confirmed that they were going to charge Vodafone about {{INR}}20000 crore (US $3.3 billion) in tax and fines. The second phase of the dispute is about to start.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Vodafone-Hutchison-deal-Vodafone-wins-Rs-11000-crore-tax-case/articleshow/11566027.cms | work=The Times Of India | title=Vodafone-Hutchison deal: Vodafone wins Rs 11,000 crore tax case - The Times of India}}</ref> The Bombay high court on Thursday directed the Income-Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) to hear a Rs.8,500 crore transfer-pricing tax dispute relating to the Indian arm of Vodafone Group Plc from 21 February on a daily basis till a final order is passed.{{Citation needed|date=December 2014}} ==Mobile services== ===3G=== On 19 May 2010, the 3G spectrum auction in India ended. Vodafone paid {{INR}} 11617.86 million (the second highest amount in the auctions) for spectrum in 9 circles. The circles it will provide 3G in are [[Delhi]], [[Gujarat]], [[Haryana]], [[Kolkata]], [[Maharashtra]] & [[Goa]], [[Mumbai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] (East) and [[West Bengal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.medianama.com/2010/05/223-3g-auction-india-ends-provisional-winners/|title=India’s 3G Auction Ends; Operator And Circle-Wise Results|work=MediaNama|accessdate=24 December 2014}}</ref> On 16 March 2011, Vodafone launched 3G services in Uttar Pradesh (East) in the city of [[Lucknow]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mobilebusinessbriefing.com/article/vodafone-launches-first-full-3g-service-in-india|title=Vodafone launches first full 3G service in India|work=Mobile World Live|accessdate=24 December 2014}}</ref> It was the fifth private operator (seventh overall) to launch 3G services in the country, following [[Tata Docomo]], [[Reliance Communications]], [[Airtel (India)|Airtel]], and [[Aircel]]. On 23 June 2011 Vodafone launched 3G service in Kerala by joining with Idea in an Intra Circle Roaming agreement. Initially Vodafone 3G services will be available in the following cities in Kerala – Ernakulam, Aluva, Palakkad, Thrissur, Calicut, Koyilandy, Alappuzha, Cherthala, Malappuram and Manjeri. On 28 June 2012, Vodafone launched a new international roaming package under which the users shall have not to pay multiple rentals in the countries they are visiting.<ref>{{cite news| url= http://www.hindustantimes.com/technology/PersonalTech-Updates/Vodafone-India-offers-new-international-roaming-pack/SP-Article1-880053.aspx| title= Vodafone India offers new international roaming pack| date=28 June 2012}}</ref> ===iPhone=== Vodafone Launched iPhone plans on 17 January 2015 with Vodafone 6K and 10K plans for iPhone 4s,5s,5c,6 ===M-Pesa=== M-Pesa, branded as M-Paisa (the [[paisa]] being the largely unused subunit of the [[Indian rupee]]), was launched in [[India]]<ref name="India Launch Desire">{{cite web|url=http://www.mbuguanjihia.com/2009/what-you-dont-now-about-mpesa.html|title=What you dont now about Mpesa…|work=The mind of Mbugua Njihia|accessdate=24 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="dfid_india">{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNrDv4PQdCc|title=Mobile phone banking in Africa|work=YouTube|accessdate=24 December 2014}}</ref> as a close partnership with [[HDFC Bank|HDFC]] bank in November 2011.<ref name="HDFC Launch">[http://www.medianama.com/2011/11/223-vodafone-m-paisa/ HDFC Launch]. "HDFC Launch". Retrieved 28 June 2012</ref> Development for the bank began as early as 2008. The service continues to operate in a limited geographical area in India. Vodafone India had partnered with both HDFC and [[ICICI]],<ref name="ICICI Bank">[http://www.medianama.com/2011/01/223-icici-bank-future-atms-all-banks-all-telcos/ ICICI Bank]. "ICICI Bank". Retrieved 28 June 2012</ref> ICICI launched M-Pesa on April 18, 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last=Russell|first=Jon|title=Vodafone launches M-Pesa mobile banking service in India, targeting 700m ‘unbanked’ people|url=http://thenextweb.com/in/2013/04/17/vodafone-launches-m-pesa-mobile-banking-service-in-india-targets-700m-unbanked-people/|accessdate=20 April 2013|newspaper=[[The Next Web]]|date=17 April 2013}}</ref> Vodafone plans to rollout this service throughout India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gadgets.ndtv.com/telecom/news/vodafone-to-bring-m-pesa-service-to-20000-customers-in-mp-500891|title=Vodafone to bring M-Pesa service to 20,000 customers in MP|work=NDTV Gadgets|accessdate=24 December 2014}}</ref> The user needs to register for this service by paying 100 Rupees and there are charges levied per M-Pesa transaction.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/info-tech/vodafone-launches-money-transfer-service-mpesa-in-delhi/article5044945.ece?ref=relatedNews|title=Vodafone launches money transfer service 'm-pesa' in Delhi|author=PTI|work=The Hindu Business Line|accessdate=24 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://moneysaverindia.com/finance/ignore-both-airtel-money-and-m-pesa/|title=Ignore both Airtel Money and M-Pesa|publisher=Moneysaverindia.com|accessdate=24 December 2014}}</ref> ==Angel stores== {{As of|2013|9|3}}, there were a total of 16 Vodafone Angel Stores in 14 states, all staffed entirely by women. Stores currently operate in Agra, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Haryana, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kerala, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Mysore, Pune, Shillong, Vadodara and Rajkot.<ref>Bafna, Sanjay. (2013-09-03) [http://telecomtalk.info/vodafone-launches-women-run-angel-stores-in-haryana/108500/ Vodafone Launches Women-run Angel Stores in Haryana]. Telecomtalk.info. Retrieved on 2013-09-18.</ref> According to Marten Pieters, Managing Director and CEO, Vodafone India, "The Angel Stores are a part of Vodafone’s commitment to provide our women employees with one of the most secure and productive work environment. Additionally, our women customers feel more welcomed while visiting the store."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/vodafone-to-expand-all-women-stores-network-across-the-country-113030500394_1.html |title=Vodafone to expand all women stores network across the country |publisher=Business Standard |date=2013-03-05 |accessdate=2013-06-15}}</ref> ==Subscriber base== Following is the Vodafone India subscriber base statistics as on September, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://coai.com/Sub%20Figs/GSM%202011/All%20india%20GSM%20sub%20figures%20Jun%202011.xls|title=Cellular Operators Association of India :: Generic Message|publisher=Coai.com|accessdate=24 December 2014}}</ref> {| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:350px;" |+ Subscriber Base Statistics as on September, 2014 |- ! scope="col" style="text-align:left;"| Telecom Cicle ! scope="col" style="text-align:left;"| No. of Subscribers |- | Gujarat || 15,801,117 |- | Uttar Pradesh(East) || 14,526,236 |- | Maharashtra || 12,977,123 |- | West Bengal || 11,165,667 |- | Tamil Nadu || 9,777,927 |- | Rajasthan || 8,565,366 |- | Uttar Pradesh(West) || 8,999,073 |- | Andhra Pradesh || 5,224,689 |- | Delhi || 8,449,120 |- | Goa || 7,134,576 |- | Karnataka || 6,452,620 |- | Kerala || 6,067,506 |- | Bihar || 6,381,278 |- | Kolkata || 4,084,284 |- | Punjab || 4,309,853 |- | Haryana || 4,437,015 |- | Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh || 4,101,877 |- | Chennai || 2,091,411 |- | Odisha || 2,789,575 |- | Assam || 2,188,073 |- | North East || 928,563 |- | Jammu & Kashmir || 666,009 |- | Himachal Pradesh || 475,329 |- | Mumbai || 6,160,353 |} <!-- | rowspan="2" colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | Total Vodafone Essar Subscribers : 147,476,290 --> Total number of Vodafone India Subscribers : '''141,519,840''', i.e. '''21.54%''' of the total '''657,158,013 ''' Indian mobile phone subscribers. ==Awards and recognition== [[The Brand Trust Report]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/a-matter-of-trust/747288/ |title=A Matter of Trust |publisher=Financialexpress.com |date= |accessdate=2013-06-15}}</ref> 2011 published by Trust Research Advisory has ranked Vodafone<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/business/slide-show/slide-show-1-indias-50-most-trusted-brands/20110120.htm |title=India's most trusted brands - Rediff.com Business |publisher=Rediff.com |date=2011-01-20 |accessdate=2013-06-15}}</ref> as the 16th most trusted brand in India. ==Timeline== {{Prose|section|date=December 2014}} 1992: Hutchison Whampoa and MAX group establish Hutchison Max{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} 2000: Acquisition of Delhi operations and entry into Calcutta (now Kolkata) and Gujarat markets through Essar acquisition{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} 2001: Won auction for licences to operate GSM services in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Chennai{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} 2003: Acquired AirCel Digilink (ADIL&nbsp;— ESSAR Subsidiary) which operated in Rajastan, Uttar Pradesh East and Haryana telecom circles and rebranded it 'Hutch'.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} 2004: Launched in three additional telecom circles of India namely Punjab, Uttar Pradesh (West) and West Bengal.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} 2005: Acquired BPL Mobile operations in 3 circles. This left BPL with operations only in Mumbai, where it still operates under the brand 'Loop Mobile'.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} 2007: Vodafone acquires a 67% stake in Hutchison Essar for $10.7 billion. The company is renamed Vodafone Essar. 'Hutch' is rebranded to 'Vodafone'.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} 2008: Vodafone acquires the licences in remaining 7 circles and starts its pending operations in [[Madhya Pradesh]] circle, as well as in Orissa, Assam, North East and Bihar.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} 2011: Vodafone Group buys out its partner Essar from its Indian mobile phone business. It paid $5.46 billion to take Essar out of its 33% stake in the Indian subsidiary. It left Vodafone owning 74% of the Indian business.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} 2014: On 11 April Vodafone acquires 100 percent stake in Vodafone India.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} 2014: On 6 August Vodafone India launches Vodafone RED 4.New Postpaid plans across India.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} 2015: On 17 January Vodafone launches its iPhone plans across India. == See also == {{Portal|Companies}} * [[Vodafone]] * [[Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited#Hutchison India|Hutchison Essar]] ==References== {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}} ==External links== * [http://www.vodafone.in/pages/index.aspx Vodafone India Official website] {{Vodafone}} {{Essar Group}} {{Bigg Boss}} {{Telecommunication companies of India}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Vodafone India}} [[Category:Companies based in Mumbai]] [[Category:Telecommunications companies of India]] [[Category:Vodafone]] [[Category:Mobile phone companies of India]] [[Category:Internet service providers of India]] [[Category:Companies established in 1994]] [[Category:Essar Group]] [[Category:Indian subsidiaries of foreign multinational companies]]'