Today’s telecom news includes announcements on India’s Telecom AGR, Jio IPO Valuation, Banglalink, VEON, Starlink, Kyivstar, Beeline, among others.
India’s Telecom AGR Grows 9.19% to ₹88,796 Crore
India’s telecommunications sector recorded adjusted gross revenue (AGR) of ₹88,796 crore in the April-June 2026 quarter, increasing 9.19 percent year over year and 2.40 percent sequentially. Reliance Jio led with AGR of ₹33,226 crore and a 44.62 percent share, followed by the Bharti Group at ₹29,803 crore, Vodafone Idea at ₹8,448 crore and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited at ₹2,117 crore. Overall sector gross revenue rose 10.50 percent year over year to ₹1,06,797 crore. Internet subscriptions reached 1.11 billion, while average monthly mobile data usage increased 6.32 percent to 28.39 GB per subscriber, reflecting continued growth in digital connectivity and data consumption.
Jio IPO Valuation Faces Market Challenges Despite Strategic Benefits
Reliance Industries’ planned Jio Platforms initial public offering could value the telecom and digital services business at approximately $102 billion to $103 billion, below earlier expectations amid market volatility and weaker technology-sector sentiment. The proposed valuation is also lower than the $131 billion target reported when draft offering papers were filed in June 2026. Existing investors, including KKR, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Silver Lake, could receive lower returns than anticipated. However, postponing the listing could further delay liquidity opportunities and weaken investor confidence. The offering presents Reliance with a strategic decision between seeking a stronger valuation and providing an exit opportunity for existing shareholders.
Banglalink Launches Starlink Direct-to-Device Connectivity in Bangladesh
Banglalink, owned by VEON, has launched Starlink Mobile direct-to-device connectivity in Bangladesh, extending mobile service possibilities beyond conventional cellular towers. Customers using a Banglalink SIM and compatible 4G smartphones can access the service through the MyBL super app, while availability through the RYZE app is planned. The service aims to help users maintain connectivity during emergencies, natural disasters and prolonged power outages that disrupt terrestrial networks. Banglalink becomes the third VEON-owned operator to introduce Starlink Mobile, following Kyivstar in Ukraine and Beeline Kazakhstan. The partnership highlights growing cooperation between mobile operators and satellite providers to improve network resilience and extend connectivity to underserved locations.
